AGIAS MAVROS FORT (St. Maura/Santa Maura)
Built in 1293 by John Orsini, a Frankish ruler, this medieval fortification is one of the best architectural examples in Greece.
Situated at the entrance to the causeway (by the swing bridge) connecting Lefkada to mainland Greece, a lighthouse manufactured in 1861 stands proud. Its altitude of tower being six meters and the height of focal plane is seventeen meters. You can walk around the base of the lighthouse and view the entrance to the causeway by entering the fort.
The fort is surrounded by water. The Eastern (mainland connected) moat of the castle with ruined piers of the wooden access bridge is still visible.
Originally Agios Mavros was a small fortification to control access to Lefkada island, before it was extended to become a walled town and the islands capital by the early 15th Century.
The Ottoman Empire took possession in 1479 and a century later rebuilt it and enlarged it, giving it largely its current shape - A sizable town grew outside the castle walls by the 1670's.
The fortress was captured by the Republic of Venice in 1684 after a brief siege.
Under the Venetians the castle was converted into a purely military installation; the walled town and the outskirts adjoining the walls were raised to improve its defenses and the capital moved onto the island itself, at the site of the present city of Lefkada.
For a more in-depth read of the castles occupation click see the link below.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_of_Santa_Maura
As you enter the main castle gates there is a payment kiosk. An entrance fee of 3€ per person allows you unlimited time to view the ruins and surrounding views. The castle is open all year round and restoration work is ongoing.
Take your time to wonder at the details; unfortunately there are no plaques of information or guide booklets explaining the history of objects, architecture etc.
Walk up the cobbled stone slope to access the top of the castle walls. Here you can walk around and see the amazing surrounding views of both the mainland and Lefkada island. From this advantage point you can also see the building remains of the walled town, some of which have been renovated/restored.
Where you see the bell tower walk down the stone steps and peer through the doors of the 15th Century Church of St. Maura.
PERATIA / GRIVIA CASTLE (Kastro Grivia)
Grivia Castle stands impressively on the top of a rocky peak to the left of the road on the mainland, heading towards Lefkada Island.
This is a small fascinating castle overlooking the far more formidable Santa Maura Fortress.
The castle was built atop a 17th century monastery by Ali Pasha in 1806 to facilitate Ali's attack against the island of Lefkada. His plans were cancelled in July 1807, when the French occupied the Ionian Islands, after a treaty with the Russians. Some years later the castle was turned over to the Grivas family, to which it owes its name.
In May 1821, during the Greek Revolution, it was captured by the Greeks.
The castle is partially surrounded by marshland. On the west side has an incredible view of what was once the working salt pans. See the link below for a detailed walk around here and its history.
https://greekcountryliving.blogspot.com/2021/04/lefkada-salt-pans-walk.html
On the west and north sides of the castle there is a unique view to the Ionian Sea, the Ambracian Gulf and Lefkada Island.
On the East side there is the easy accessible main gate with is no entrance fee.
Unfortunately the castle is very neglected with overgrown foliage and uneven stones underfoot so explore with caution.
AGIOS GEORGIOS FORTRESS (Plagia)
This is the twin of the neighbouring castle of Peratia (GRIVAS) Both built by Ali Pasha around 1807 when he was planning his invasion of Lefkas that never happened. He was captured during the Greek Revolution by G. Tsongas in May 1821.
The castle (impressive from the outside) stands above the village of Plagia with spectacular views.
Entrance to the castle is free through a large archway, but proceed with care. There is much foliage and the stone walls are in a crumbled state so I advise good supportive footwear. I personally find ruins such as these fascinating, as you ramble through discovering nooks, archways and foundations, telling their story.
Although accessible all year round, a great time to visit would be early Spring. We visited in May when there were still some wild flowers visible amongst the stones.
Enjoy Exploring!
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