Venetian Castle of Parga #1290

Description

Its current structure is largely the result of extensive reconstruction carried out at the end of the 16th century.

In 1360, to avoid attacks from the Albanians, the people of Parga moved their settlement, which was originally farther inland, to its present coastal location. With assistance from the Normans who controlled Corfu at the time, they built the fortress of Parga.

In 1401, a treaty was signed with the Venetians, who then took control of the Ionian Islands. The Venetians respected the lifestyle and autonomy of the Pargians, who in turn provided valuable support to the Venetian fleet.

In 1452, the Ottomans occupied Parga and the castle for two years, during which part of the castle was demolished. The Venetians soon regained control. However, in 1537, the pirate Hayreddin Barbarossa attacked, burning the fortress and destroying the houses within.

Before the castle was rebuilt in 1572 by the Venetians, the Turks had destroyed it once again. The Venetians undertook a third reconstruction, creating a strong fortress that remained impregnable for centuries. They added eight towers outside the main castle and two cisterns to provide water during sieges. Within the narrow confines of the citadel, 400 houses were arranged compactly, situated away from the seaside to maximize defensive capability.