Pythia Castle #1086

Description

It stands on a low mound at the northeastern edge of the village of Pythio, near the Evros River, close to the Turkish border.

The castle was founded by John Kantakouzenos (later Byzantine emperor) around 1330-1340. It served as both a residence and a fortress during his civil war against Emperor John V Palaiologos.

However, the Byzantine control of the castle was short-lived. It was among the first fortresses to be captured by the Ottomans during their European invasion. Over time, a village developed around the castle.

The site gained additional significance during the Greek Revolution, as it became the burial place of Patriarch Kyrillos VI, who was executed by the Turks in Adrianople in 1821.