Monolith Castle #990

Description

From ancient times, a watchtower has stood atop the rock, and subsequently, a Byzantine fortress. The knights of the Order of Saint John, who had been residing on the island since 1308, reconstructed the fortress in the fifteenth century.

Around 1476, when D'Aubusson (1476–1503) served as the Order's Grand Master, the renovation was completed. Above the castle gate, his shield is engraved.

During the Ioannite era, it was one of Rhodes' four most powerful fortresses.

Nothing else about the castle's past is known. After the knights fled the island in 1522, it was undoubtedly taken over by the Turks. We might also speculate that at some point, perhaps in the 17th century, when piracy ceased to be a significant menace, it lost its importance and, because to its discomfort, was eventually abandoned.

The castle's outside walls are in comparatively fair shape. Regarding the inside, which is strewn with ruins, we cannot say the same thing. Some water tanks and tower remnants can be found. Additionally, there is a little church named Agios Panteleimon.