Chrysocheria Castle

Pera Kastro, also known as Chrysocheria Castle, stands on a low spur north-west of Pothia, midway between that town and Chora. It overlooks the modern harbour, the Pothia valley and the older Kastro fortification. The name Pera Kastro means "the castle on the opposite side", while its alternative title refers to the Virgin Mary of the Golden Hands, from an icon once kept in its chapel. The enceinte, built of chalk quarry-stone, encloses an area roughly 80 metres by 40 metres, following the spur's irregular contours without towers, though flanking structures protect the lower gate. A barbican, probably fifteenth-century, survives only sparsely. The walls remain in good condition, and several escutcheons are still visible, none later than 1479. These include the arms of Governor Fantino Querini, who began construction in 1445 after forcing the reluctant Kalymnians to help, and of later governors and Grandmaster Jean Bonpart de Lastic. Within the walls stand two chapels and a cemetery, while three undated windmills lie to the east.

Heritage data from Wikidata, compiled and verified in the Atika atlas.