Venetian Castle of Igoumenitsa - Venetian Castle of Igoumenitsa

Castle of Igoumenitsa The castle of Igoumenitsa is located on a verdant hill which dominates the area above the city. It replaced an older roman fort, parts of which are still discernible in the lowest points of the southern side. The walls of the castle have undergone reconstructions during various periods, and these alterations are obvious on the walls. The present castle is composed of a fortified enclosure. All its sides were strenghtened by rectangular towers which communicated with the interior through arched gates. The tower of the southern side preserves the first storey, roofed with an arch. The central gate of the castle was probably located on the eastern side, protected by two rectangular towers. The buildings of the interior of the castle are not visible today, except from a rectangular cistern on the northwestern side. The historical pieces of evidence about the castle of Igoumenitsa are few. During the Venetian-Turkish war (1684 - 1699) the Venetians performed military operations in Igoumenitsa, and in 1685 they seized the castle causing serious destruction. In 1798 Ali Pasha annexed Igoumenitsa and took care for the reconstruction of the fortress. The ruins of the castle are inside the park of Igoumenitsa. above the port. Although it is not a big park, the ruins are not easy to be spotted. The entrance it's free.......