Riniasa Castle (Despo Castle)

Zalongo, Greece, Greece

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Riniasa Castle, also known as Despo Castle, is a medieval fortress near the village of Riza in the Zalongo area of Epirus, northwestern Greece.

Built in the late 13th or early 14th century by Thomas I Komnenos Doukas, ruler of the Despotate of Epirus, it occupied a strategic hilltop position overlooking important land and sea routes. Over the centuries, the castle passed through Byzantine, Serbian, Albanian, and Ottoman control, serving as an important regional stronghold.

Although now largely in ruins, it remains a significant example of medieval military architecture in Epirus. The castle is especially famous as the site of the heroic stand of Despo Botsi in 1803. Rather than surrender to the forces of Ali Pasha, she and her family reportedly ignited stored gunpowder and died in the explosion, an act that became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice in Greek history. Because of this event, the fortress is widely known as Despo Castle.