Astros Beach Castle
Description
The Seaside Fortress of Argolis with the Asteroid View and the Tower of Zafiropoulos
The Astros Beach Castle (also known as Zafiropoulos Castle) is one of the most impressive, historical and timeless destinations in the entire North Kynouria in ArcadiaIt is located in the eastern Peloponnese, built on top of the hill that the locals call "Nisi" (Island)., on a privileged, amphitheatrical peninsula of Paralio Astros, approximately 49 kilometers east of Tripoli and 32 kilometers from Nafplio. The great advantage of the castle is its strategic location, which offers a captivating, 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Argolic Gulf, the plain of Thyrea and the verdant coast of Kynouria.
- Fortification type: A coastal fortress with a four-sided central plan, whose fortification wall survives to a height of nearly 6 meters. The castle has two gates (one northwestern, protected by a massive circular tower, and one eastern), while the interior plateau is dominated by three historic stone dwellings (tower houses), warehouses and old water tanks.
- Suitable for: Families, lovers of medieval architecture, photographers and travelers looking for a romantic afternoon stroll with an "island" atmosphere in mainland Greece. The castle is traditionally famous for its defensive and heroic character, as its first phase dates back to 1256by the Frankish prince William of Villehardouin (it was called Castello della Estella due to the star-shaped shape of the hill), while in August 1826, 1,200 Greek chieftains successfully repelled the numerous troops of Ibrahim Pasha.
- Infrastructure: A gently shaped archaeological site, which has received rescue interventions and partial restoration of the gates and the stairs leading up. The site is free and open to the public throughout the year. At the foot of the hill, in the picturesque alleys of the old settlement, there are excellent traditional guesthouses, cafes, fish taverns, as well as the historic churches of Agios Vasilios and Evangelistria.
- Access:Very easy, fast and direct. The journey from Athens takes about 2 hours (170 km) via the National Highway, while from Tripoli the distance is covered in about 45-50 minutes by car. The car arrives very close to the top of the "Island" hill, and the final climb is on foot through a short, paved and passable path (duration 5-10 minutes) between well-kept courtyards. Free parking is available near the picturesque streets.
Information