CC BY-SA 3.0, Ввласенко, Wikimedia CommonsLandmark· Astypalaia· Greece — Dodecanese, Sporades & North Aegean
Astypalaia Chora & Querini Castle
36° 32.7′ N · 26° 21.3′ E
Chora piles its white cube houses up a ridge to the dark-stone Kastro built by the Venetian Querini family, who held the island until 1522. Inside the walls are the churches of Panagia Evangelistria and Agios Georgios, and the views take in both of the island's 'wings'.
Practical
A steep 15-minute walk up from Skala harbour. Wikipedia: Venetian rule under the Querini lasted until 1522, followed by the Ottomans to 1912, the Italians and union with Greece in 1947. Wikivoyage: castle built by the Querini in the 13th century; Panagia Evangelistria (1853), and Agios Georgios (1790) is 'the best spot to watch the sun set'. Below the castle at Kylindra is an ancient cemetery holding the remains of at least 2,700 infants (Wikipedia; OSM 36.5446, 26.3530). Wear shoes for the cobbles.
Best for
Sunset walk and the island's history
Nearby
- Chora Restaurants & Bars (Astypalaia)Right here
- Mediterranean Frogs Dive Centre (Astypalaia)Right here
- Astypalaia Port Authority & Entry Status (Skala)0.2 NM away
- Astypalaia Windmills Viewpoint0.2 NM away
- Skala Harbour (Astypalaia)0.2 NM away
- Skala Fuel & Water (Astypalaia)0.3 NM away
- Skala Waterfront Tavernas (Astypalaia)0.3 NM away
- Astypalaia Health Centre (Chora)0.4 NM away