The Castle of Aghia Mavra in Lefkada island, Greece

The Castle of Aghia Mavra in Lefkada island, Greece

The Castle of Aghia Mavra is situated near the channel, 1.2 km outiside Hora, and is the island's link with Sterea Hellas. The area was named Castle of Agia Mavra in Medieval yearsm and for a period of time the name applied to the whole island. The original building was constructed by the Sicilian, ioannis Orsini, in 1300. It was built to protect the new capital of the island, which was transfered here from the town of Kaligoni. In the Castle, one can admire the church of Agia Mavra.

According to tradition, the church was built in the 15th century by Helen Palaiologina who, persecuted in Constantinople, came to the island for the wedding of her daughter to the Count of Lefkada. Helen built this church in honour of Agia Mavra who protected her from the storm. Despite the tradition, historical sources mention that the island was named by the French knights of Duke Walter B' around 1330, in honour of their country Agia Mavra (Saint Maure).After the island's occupation ny the Turks in 1479, the church became a mosque. In 1485, Sultan Bagiazit ordered the construction of an aqueduct and a bridge joining the city with the castle. Today, one can only see the ruins of these constructions.

In 1500, the Venetians restored the Castle, and in 1684, Morosini palced a lion, the symbol of Venice, over the gate. Apart from the church of Agia Mavra, the Castle housed the church of Latin Pandokrator, and other buildings such as water tanks, three schools, barracks, hospitals, storage rooms and a head-office of the politicians. A fire in 1888 caused the destruction of the castle. After its renovation, it was used as barracks and later as a refuge camp, while, during World War 2, the Castle suffered Italian attacks and bombardments. On its exterior, one can still see a few canons, as most of them were removed in 1864, after the uniom of the Ionian island with the rest of Greece. Today the castle is open to tourists and houses many cultural events during the summer.

Explore Lefkada's ancient monuments by making a reservation in Anesis Village Studios and apartments. www.lefkada-anesis.com

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