Castle of Akova #1054

Description

The castle was constructed in 1250 and is first mentioned in medieval history during the Frankish occupation. Acova was a major region in the Principality of Achaea. The Franks divided the Peloponnese into twelve baronies, each centered around a newly built castle—evidence that the Franks were a military elite among a potentially hostile Greek population.

Acova was one of the most important baronies, containing 24 fiefs. Its first holder was Walter of Rosières, of Burgundian origin.

In 1318, the castle was sold to the Byzantine ruler Andronikos Paleologos. It was later captured by the Ottomans under Mehmet II the Conqueror in 1458.

Between 1684 and 1715, the castle was under Venetian rule before the Ottomans regained control. Following this, the once significant city gradually declined and was eventually abandoned.