Greece is full of hidden treasures of history, one of them is the castle of Gardiki Castle.
Gardiki Castle together with Angelokastro, the castle of Kassiopi and the two Venetian fortresses of Corfu the Old and New Fortress, are considered the most important architectural relics of the Ionian Islands.
Gardiki Castle is located near the village of Agios Mattheos on the southwest coast of Corfu.
Its construction
It is believed that it was built by Michael I Angelos Komnenos in the 13th century and is located on a hill.
The remains of this castle may have been handed down in time, but it is still of great interest for its history and shape.
Its walls form an octagon with eight towers and three gates.
Its important history
Historically it is a treasure trove of information, since in its ruins have been found evidence from the Paleolithic era dating back to 20,000 BC. but also animal bones and stone tools that are in the Archaeological Museum of Corfu.
And as has happened in many ancient temples, one can still observe today the materials that are a reference to the existence of an ancient temple that was later converted into a chapel, according to the frescoes found in it.
The castle has been used by the inhabitants of Corfu as a refuge against pirates and together with the castle of Kassiopi and Angelokastro was a key position for the defensive stance of the Corfiots before the arrival of Venetian rule.
Going back in time, near the castle of Gardiki was the village of Zygonos, which was destroyed by Hairedin Barbarossa. After this raid, during the 16th century, the village of Agios Matthaios was built, which is a few kilometers from the castle.
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