Kastrelia

The name Kastrelia, from the Greek for a kastro or castle estate, points to a small Byzantine fortification whose history has been entirely lost. Its sparse remains sit on a limestone hilltop in the southeastern foothills of the ridge running between the Atavyros and Profitis Ilias mountains, northeast of the Agios Ioannis Artamitis monastery on Rhodes. What survives is part of an oval enceinte built of local limestone quarry stone, including a section of two-shell wall about 0.55 metres thick running several metres along the summit. Much of the stone now scattered on the southeastern slope likely came from the castle itself, possibly dismantled after abandonment because the fertile valley below lacked building material. The site offers views toward Kastro Kitala and Erimokastro near Arnitha, and from higher towers one might have seen Byzantine defences on Mount Vouni and perhaps Symi. Large quantities of pottery in the valley suggest a loose settlement connected with the fortification. Only the most dedicated visitors will find the walk worthwhile.