Castle of Cassiopeia #1081

Description

 It was one of three Byzantine castles built to defend Corfu before the Venetian period (1386–1797), forming a defensive triangle with Gardiki Castle in the south and Angelokastro in the northwest.

The castle’s position on the northeastern coast provided strategic control over the Corfu Channel, which separates the island from the mainland. Despite this advantageous location, Kassiopi Castle never played a major role in Corfu's history and was eventually abandoned early on.

History
The origins of the castle are uncertain, but it is generally believed to be of Byzantine origin, likely built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Maurice.

In 1081, Count Bohemund of Taranto captured Kassiopi Castle at the start of the first Norman invasion of Greece. However, in 1084, it was recaptured by Emperor Alexios I Komnenos after he defeated the Norman fleet in three consecutive naval battles in the Corfu Channel.

The Angevins took control of the castle in 1267, and in 1386, it was seized by the Venetians after some initial resistance.