Palaia Epidauros

Both the large ancient and the smaller medieval castles are located on the Nisi peninsula, on the hill above the "Little Theatre" at Epidaurus. This is a position which opens onto the Saronic Gulf; it is connected with the mainland and the village of Palaia Epidaurus by a narrow strip of land.

Concerning the medieval phase of the castle of Palaia Epidaurus, no historical references exist. However the remains of the castle, the fortifications and the masonry-style of the church all show that it must have been built at the end of the Early Byzantine period, i.e. the second half of the 6th or 7th centuries. This was a period during which the Avar-Slav raids created insecurity amongst the native populations: the central power responded by instigating a broad construction program of fortifications.

Χρονολόγηση: Early Byzantine (second half of the 6th-7th centuries); used and repaired probably during tEarly Byzantine (second half of the 6th-7th centuries); used and repaired probably during the Frankish/Late Byzantine periods (13th -15 centuries).he Frankish/Late Byzantine periods (13th -15 centuries).

On the Nisi peninsula of Palaia Epidaurus extensive fortifications of Classical antiquity have survived. The medieval castle, although it occupies only a small part of the ancient walled area, still covers a large area. With a perimeter of about 500 m, it comprises an area of some 13,400 sq. m. The enclosure has five sides, with the longest on the east. Remains of three towers are still visible today; it is speculated that there were also another three at the corner-angles in the walls. The enceinte wall is extremely strong, as its thickness reaches up to 2 m. Building material from ancient fortifications and in particular from the nearby theatre was used for the construction of the walls of the new castle. For the most part the walls consist of an outer face built with the squared ancient stone blocks, in between whose joints bricks, small stones and mortar are inserted. The inner face of the walls is just as elaborate. Between the facades are a rubble fill, soil and mortar. In some other places the walls are built with rubble, thus testifying to later alterations.

Inside the castle, near the east wall, loom large the ruins of a single-aisle vaulted church with outbuildings, probably dating between the 7th and 10th centuries AD. To its west stands a modern chapel.

Walk the length of the walls of the east side and visit the ruins of the church inside the castle. Avoid the other side as it is quite steep and covered with dense vegetation. Biting and stinging insects will likely be encountered, especially during hot periods.

The monument is legally protected By YA YPPE/ARC/A1/F04/70373/2417/18.11.1982 - Government Gazette 145/B/05.04.1983; also N.  3028/2002.