Gardiki Castle, Corfu

The castle of Gardiki stands near the village of Agios Matheos, some 23 kilometres west of Corfu town, and is commonly regarded as a twin of the island’s Angelokastro. It was raised by the Byzantines in the 13th century, most likely in the early decades under Michael I Komnenos, ruler of the Despotate of Epirus, who sought to shield Corfu from pirates and from the ambitions of Frankish and Italian powers. A few authorities would push its origins back to the 11th century, though the evidence is uncertain. The fortification covers roughly 4,700 square metres within a perimeter of 255 metres, laid out on an octagonal plan with eight rectangular towers. Its walls survive along the entire circuit, albeit not at their original height. Two gates remain, of which the southern one served as the principal entrance and is still in use. Overall the castle is in relatively good condition.

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