Molyvoti

On Cape Kalogeros, at the tip of the Molyvoti peninsula in the Rhodope, a ruined watchtower keeps its lonely vigil between two lagoons east of Porto Lagos. The peninsula took its present name, a translation of the old Turkish "Koursumlou" (in use until 1920), from the leaden colour that may once have marked the site. The tower itself is probably Byzantine, though nothing is known of its history or precise date; only the binding mortar confirms it is medieval. Its position, with an excellent view south over the sea, suggests it served as a vigla, an observation post in visual contact with the castles of Poroi, Peritheorio, Maroneia, Polystylon and, further off, Polyantho and Mosynopolis. The surviving structure is four-sided, measuring 7.0 by 4.5 metres, with a maximum height of 2.5 metres, built of uneven stones, ceramics and mortar. Nearby stands the chapel of the Twelve Apostles, and a kilometre northeast lie the ruins of ancient Strymi, a Thasian colony abandoned in the early third century BC, with which the tower appears to have no connection.