First Stop–Lalaria:This was our second time at Lalaria. It was a very windy, cloudy, and even more fun than the first time we went…
Now some history…
The town of Skiathos was moved to Kastro around 1360 to better protect residents from the many pirate attacks that plagued the Aegean. Kastro remained the home of the island’s population until 1829, when it was abandoned for the location where Skiathos town stands today.
The Kastro fortress was built on a steep cliff above the ocean on the northern coast. It could only be entered from a wooden drawbridge, which is no longer there. To ensure their safety, the people of Kastro would fill a cauldron with boiling oil to pour on attackers. In addition to 20 churches, water tanks, baths, and towers, there is said to have been around 400 houses inside Kastro. Many of the churches in Kastro are mentioned in the writings of Papadiamantis and still hold services today.
The Mosque
The Church of Panagia Prekla is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. It was built around late 16th to early 17th century and there is an outdoor night service on the Sunday after August 15.
St. Nicholaos is one of the four parishes of Kastro. It was at one point, home to a wealthy family. The church was built during the 17th century and holds night services twice a year.
Ag. Vasilios is one of the four parishes. It underwent a renovation in 1995 and holds a service on the second Saturday after Easter.
We learned the hard way that this hike is NOT to be done in rubber flip-flops…
-Victoria
Second Stop–Kastro:
Our boat pulled up to a beautiful beach where up high, one can make out the remains of the old fortress of Kastro. It was tempting for us to skip the long, strenuous hike up to Kastro and stay at the beach, but we decided to risk our lives and see the fortress. Now some history…
The town of Skiathos was moved to Kastro around 1360 to better protect residents from the many pirate attacks that plagued the Aegean. Kastro remained the home of the island’s population until 1829, when it was abandoned for the location where Skiathos town stands today.
The Kastro fortress was built on a steep cliff above the ocean on the northern coast. It could only be entered from a wooden drawbridge, which is no longer there. To ensure their safety, the people of Kastro would fill a cauldron with boiling oil to pour on attackers. In addition to 20 churches, water tanks, baths, and towers, there is said to have been around 400 houses inside Kastro. Many of the churches in Kastro are mentioned in the writings of Papadiamantis and still hold services today.
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Kastro underwent Venetian occupation in 1453 and was taken over by the Ottomans in 1538. After a short occupation by Venetian admiran Francesco Morosini, Kastro and the island of Skiathos remained under Turkish rule until 1821. The Mosque stands as a reminder of Turkey's influence on the island.
Panagia Prekla |
St. Nicholaos
Panagia Megalomata
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| 17th c. |
Agios Vasilios
Kastrino Spiti
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| One of the only remaining houses at Kastro. |
View from the top…
We learned the hard way that this hike is NOT to be done in rubber flip-flops…
-Victoria
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