Tales of Travelling: fortifications

29 September 2012

Asklipio, 17 June 2012

Pefkos to Asklipio

Today would be our last day with the rented car. After breakfast at the Stella Hotel we looked at the road map and spotted Asklipio to the west of Pefkos. Our route would take us south along the coastal road with which we were now familiar and then at Kiotari we'd turn inland to the north west. First we bought fresh bread, olives, sausage, cheese, and tomatoes for a picnic lunch, and loaded the car with bottled water and other essentials such as our straw hats, cameras and spare batteries.

Asklipio

The drive to Asklipio was a joy, and we were grateful for the car's air conditioning. By the time we reached Asklipio the temperature had soared to the mid 30s Celsius. We explored the village and then returned to the car for the uphill drive towards the medieval castle. Just walking up to the castle from the car park, loaded with our picnic and cameras, was exhausting in the prickling heat, but the views are spectacular and the medieval castle is well worth the effort. Lunch was in the shade of the castle's fortifications.

Christos Corner

Over breakfast we checked the road map and decided to visit Monolithos Castle before continuing our journey north. We had seen the castle on the horizon the evening before – indeed it's hard to miss, sitting atop a tall rock overlooking the sea – and it was only a short drive from Monolithos village.

Having parked the car we followed the path towards the castle (and the chapel of Saint Panteleimon which is within the castle walls). In the photo above you can see the castle through the trees on the left towards the top, and might imagine that there is not much more of a climb. There's a valley beyond, though, from which the real ascent begins. In fact the castle is 236m above sea level. The narrow path up the rock face is littered with debris and rather steep. How ever did they get supplies up there? And how did they get the stones up there to build the fortifications in the first place?

Monolithos Castle

The short video below shows my ascent and a quick tour of the castle, which was built in the 15th century on the foundations of a much older castle. You'll also see the chapel of Saint Panteleimon and a breathtaking view out towards Halki island.

Tales of Travelling