Castle of Psachna

 castle  Add category

 Upload a photo

Psachna, Dirfys-Messapia, Evia,Sterea Hellas
Castle of Psachna

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

< 548 / 620 >

Pictures
Few remains of a castle on a hill 2 km north of the town Psachna of Evia, in a location with strategic advantages and good natural protection.
The castle was created probably by the Byzantines in the 9th century. A settlement, “Palia Psacha” (old Psachan) was developed around it, as the population moved there from the nearby ancient Messapia which was more exposed to raids.
During Frankokratia (Frankish occupation in the 13th and 14th century) the fortification was reinforced. When the Venetians became the rulers of the region (late 14th to 15th century) the settlement thrived and expanded.
The castle was captured by the Turks in 1470 and was destroyed. According to the legend, an old gypsy lady showed to the enemy the secret passages under the hill to the castle.