One of the main attractions of the city of Chios (capital of the island of the same name) is undoubtedly the famous "Castle of Chios." It is located in the northern part of the city next to the harbor.

The first fortress was built by the Byzantines still here in the 10th century, and in fact is a small, well-fortified city. Over the following centuries, the fortress was repeatedly rebuilt and completed and the original buildings from the original to the present day is almost nothing left. In an era of Genoese domination were greatly expanded the boundaries of fortress walls, but with time, and they could not accommodate a rapidly growing city. Significant additions in the period of his rule, have also made the Venetians and Turks. For a long time the fortress was a political, military and administrative center of the island.

Thorough destruction of the fortress has undergone during the tragic events on the island in 1822 during a major earthquake in 1881. The fortress lost its strategic importance and gradually fell into disrepair. At the beginning of the 20th century during the construction of the new port and part of the fortress was completely demolished. However, a significant portion of the once majestic fortifications still preserved to this day. Today the fortress is a residential area.

The fortress was a pentagonal irregular shape with high walls and massive nine patrol towers, eight of whom survived. Access to the castle was provided through the main gate Porta Maggiore, dating back Genoese and rebuilt in 1964 by the Venetians, the western gate Pano Portello and Porto di Marina (located by the sea, and were destroyed during the construction of a new harbor). On both sides of the fortress was surrounded by sea and by land was dug deep ditch, which was filled with water, thereby forming a well-fortified artificial island (to this day has not been preserved moat), which significantly increases the level of protection of the fortress.

Among the many monuments of different eras, which can be seen today in the fortress, of particular interest are the palace of Justinian, which today is a museum, the church of St. George, the notorious "dark prison", the Turkish cemetery (here is the grave of the Turkish Admiral Kara Ali) St. Nicholas Church, bajrakli mosque, Turkish baths and Koules tower. No less interesting and the underground water system so-called "Krya Vrisi" (which means "cold source").

Today, the fortress of Chios is an important historical monument and one of the most impressive buildings of the island. Walk on the fortress will allow you to make a fascinating excursion into the past and explore the history and culture of Chios.