Karytaina Castle

Gortina, Greece

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Karytaina Castle, located in Gortina, Greece, was built in the 13th century by the Frankish knight Geoffrey of Briel during the Frankish Principality of Achaea. The castle was strategically important as it controlled key routes in the Arcadian region, overseeing the Alpheios valley and the connection between the Arcadian plateau and the coastal plains of Elis. Before the Franks, a Byzantine or possibly ancient castle likely existed on the site.

The castle fell to the Byzantine Greeks of Mystras in the early 14th century, then passed to the Ottomans in the 15th century, with a brief period of Venetian control in the late 17th century. Karytaina gained prominence during the Greek War of Independence in 1821, serving as a stronghold and refuge led by Theodoros Kolokotronis, who used it as a base against Egyptian forces in 1826.

Today, the castle ruins overlook the village and the scenic Alpheios river valley, reflecting its rich medieval history and significance in regional defense and Greek independence.