THE
CASTLE OF ASSOS
Assos was the capital of the northern part of
Kefalonia for several years from 1593, as it had the privilege of being the headquarters
of the second Venetian governor of the island. In 1585, a deputation from the Kefalonian
community petitioned the Venetian Senate for the construction of a fort in Assos, with the
aim of providing refuge for the island’s population in times of war or pirate raids.
The realization of these plans, however, was not set in
motion until 1593, eight years later. The Venetians aim was to found a city within a
strong fortress with a permanent population. They wanted to build the castle as quickly as
possible and immediately saw to all the economic, technical, military and administrative
issues, which proves the immense strategic importance of the castle. The fort’s biggest
problem was its water supply, as there was no natural spring in that area.
An attempt was made to sink a well near the sea and
construct reservoirs inside the castle. Improvements were continually being made: walls,
embankments, food and ammunition stores were built and water-tanks enlarged.
The castle was to lose its strategic importance after 1684
when the Venetians recaptured Lefkada. It nevertheless continued to be administered by a
governor until the Venetians were finally overthrown in 1797. Ruins of the castle are
still there today. It has a domed entrance and approximately 2,000m of walls are still
standing, as well as ruins of the residence of the Venetian Governor, the barracks and the
church of St Mark.
The castle, being situated in an isolated lofty area, was
adapted for use in the past as a local prison. From the top of the castle, there are the
most spectacular views in every direction.
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