Castle of Androusa
A medieval castle built on the top of a small hill, overlooking the entire plain of the region.
Built in the 13th century by William II Villehardouin, (known by the nicknames of “Kalamatas” and “Makridontis”). In 1381, the castle passed into the possession of the Navarreans , who took power in the Principality of Achaea at the time and used Androusas’ castle as their base. It was then that the castle experienced a great growth and prosperity, since the Navvareans, (a notorious military mercenary group from Navarre-Spain), were operating in many European countries having great power and influence.
Until the revolution and liberation of 1821, the castle changed hands four times, including the Palaiologists of the Despotate of Mystras, the Venetians and the Ottomans. During this period the castle loses its significant role and gets desolated.
If you find yourself in the area, visit the castle and let it whisper to you all of the things happened within its walls, in the centuries passed. Do not be fooled by its current condition. Once, it was the most significant castle in the Peloponnese…