Asclepius Castle #1166

Description

The castle sits above the village on a steep limestone rock. Though much of it was destroyed, and parts were "reconstructed" during the Italian occupation (1912-1943), several medieval construction phases are still visible in the ruins. However, the history of this castle remains largely unexplored. Its unique merlons and other architectural features set it apart from other Hospitallers' castles in the Dodecanese, although it has often been misidentified in literature, sometimes mistakenly described as a "four-towered" castle.

The castle is characterized by an irregular enceinte with partially rounded corners. The north and west sides have a slightly indented and protruding course, which could suggest Byzantine origins (similar to Kastro Feraklos at Charaki, Rhodes). A dry moat once protected the north side of the castle.