The Castle of Chios

Spending time in Chios City, you will for sure see the big walls, which are a part of the Castle of Chios. This medieval citadel is located next to the port.
In the past, the large wall had the task to defend Chios against enemies attacks but also against the destructive element, the sea. Though the time of wars has gone, people still live and feel safe there. According to data, there are about 650 inhabitants.

The construction of the castle began in the 10th century, that is, during the reign of the Byzantine Empire. However, to this day it retains only the part from the Genoese period, in 16th century. That was the best period for the development of castle. The fortress was always the administrative and military center of the island.

The church of Aghios Georgios (Saint George), which previously was a mosque, is also located in this area. It was destroyed by the earthquake in 1881. Then a reconstruction was necessary. Because of the researches of archeologists, fragments of the ancient wall were found under the church. This and many different elements prove that area was inhabited already in the ancient centuries.
Nearby the entrance to the castle, you can see the Giustiniani Museum. Undoubtedly, the big attractions are the three remaining towers and the underground corridors, which connected the castle to the outside world. The last ones are unfortunately not available for visitors. It is still renovated.