Agia Mavra Castle Lefkada

Arriving on the Lefkada island from the mainland, you come across one of the largest medieval fortresses in the whole area. This is the Agia Mavra Castle, still kept in good condition and can be visited, for an interesting tour immersed in the history of these places.

This imposing fortification is located right along the road that connects the Lefkada island to the mainland. His is a very ancient history, full of events and changes of hands. Its foundation dates back to the early fourteenth century, at the behest of the then Count of Kefalonia Giovanni Orsini. His intent was to build a defensive shelter that would serve as a shelter from attacks by assailants and pirates. The fortress passed from hand to hand quite quickly. Already at the beginning of the following century, it was under the dominion of the French. It was then the turn of the Turks, who appropriated the island area, as well as the fortress, from the 15th century, only to cede control during the 17th century. From 1684 until 1797 it was therefore the Venetians who enjoyed the advantages of the fortress, under the commander Francesco Morosini. To claim the fortress of Agia Mavra came successively the French, the Russians and the English. While in 1888 the castle was affected by a serious fire, which contributed to the destruction of various structures and environments. Only a few of these were later rebuilt.

Today we can retrace this turbulent history by visiting the various rooms of the citadel. As is understandable, the structure, initially more contained, saw rooms, walls and structures gradually added, under the impulse of the new conquerors. As you wander around here, you can see just the various changes made by the different owners. Some of the most significant, still very visible today, were those impressed during the period of Venetian domination. Part of the imposing ramparts are typical of the fortification systems of the Serenissima. Of which we also have examples in Italy (the so-called Venetian Walls). Inside the fortress there are also some cannons that still bear the initials of the builders engraved on them,the Carlo Camolli foundry of Bergamo. Just as you can see the friezes showing the Venetian lion above doors and windows.

Inside the fortress there is also the church of Agia Maura, probably what gave the name to the fortification. Santa Maura who, as you can see, is a very present and particularly venerated figure in these parts. Around the church, during the summer, cultural events and demonstrations are also organised.

A visit to the fortress of Agia Mavra is also an excellent opportunity to enjoy a fantastic panorama. Being close to the sea and the capital Lefkada, and at a high height as a defensive structure, you will be able to embrace a large stretch of coast with your gaze.

Finally, at the entrance of the castle, you can also admire a spectacular stone lighthouse, still in operation today, and only one of the two lighthouses on the whole of Lefkada island.