PLATAMON CASTLE (13th CENTURY) OLYMPUS REGION
The entire Olympus region is rich in archaeological sites, so culture and history enthusiasts can follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, who gathered his army in the city of Dion and set out for Persia.
Platamon Castle, located in the foot of mighty mountain Olympus, is built by the Crusaders during the 13th century. The fortress was erected between 1204 and 1222 and once defended the strategically important pass to the Tempe Valley, where Greek poets placed Apollo and his Muses.
The Turks conquered the castle in 1389 when they set out on a campaign to the south of Greece. At that time, the castle was renovated and further fortified to control this narrow passage. The Greek War of Independence liberated this castle a few years later, overcoming the soldiers who defended it.
The fortress itself is surrounded by massive walls, with a tall hexagonal tower rising above them, overlooking the coastline, one of the most important routes through Greece, and the high peaks of Olympus. Recent research indicates that there was also an older, ancient city at this site, which many experts believe could be Heraklion, although the heart of the city has not yet been found, and it is presumed to share some parts of the walls with the present-day fortress.
Descriptions and photos of accommodations inOlympus Region can be found HERE.