Feraklou Castle #1177

Description

The castle dates back to the middle Byzantine period, or perhaps even earlier. In the early 14th century, it was used as a stronghold by Arab pirates, until it was captured by the Knights of the Order of St. John in September 1306, becoming the first castle they took in Rhodes. However, the castle was not actively used during the 14th century and was reported to be in ruins by 1408.

Later, the castle was repaired under the leadership of Grand Masters Orsini (1467-1476) and Pierre d’Aubusson (1476-1503) to protect the fertile land nearby and the surrounding anchorages. It became one of the three major castles of the Knights on Rhodes.

The castle was seized by the Turks in 1523 after a prolonged siege, a few months after the fall of the city of Rhodes. Following this conquest, the castle was abandoned and never used again.

The castle has a polygonal plan, covering an area of 1,700 square meters with a perimeter of 680 meters, and once contained a sizable settlement. The north, northwest, and west walls date back to the Byzantine period. The crenellations are simple, featuring square merlons. A single gate and two 15th-century round towers remain intact to the south and southeast. The arms of the Order of St. John and those of Grand Master G. B. degli Orsini are embedded in the masonry facing the sea. Inside the castle, a water cistern still survives.