Description of the attraction
In the south of Corfu, near the picturesque villages of Gardiki and Agios Mateos, surrounded by olive groves is the ancient Byzantine fortress of Gardiki. Historians suggest that the building was built in the 13th century by the Epirus despot Michael II Comnenus Duca in the image of the Angelokastro fortress. During the period of Byzantine rule, the island of Corfu was thoroughly fortified with various fortifications, which, as a rule, were located at the seashore. Despite the fact that the Gardiki fortress is located quite far from the coastal line, in the medieval period it was of great strategic importance and successfully fulfilled its main functions.
The Gardiki Fortress is an octagonal structure in a characteristic Byzantine style with powerful fortifications. For the construction of the walls, parts of the old structures of these places, including ancient temples, were used. At every corner of the fortress there were watchtowers. Previously, the building had two main entrances, but today only the southern gate is used. On the right side of the entrance, you can see the ruins of a small chapel. Fragments typical of ancient structures were found in the foundation of the Gardiki fortress, which suggests the presence of more ancient settlements here. Some finds from archaeological sites in the surrounding area date back to the Paleolithic era.
For many centuries, an impregnable Byzantine fortress protected the inhabitants of nearby villages from various invaders. Despite the fact that only ruins have survived from the majestic structure to this day, this place annually attracts thousands of tourists from different parts of the world.
