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Modern Description: As the road climbs to the south from Lépida, the site of Palaiokástro can be seen on the left, crowning the low ridge between the bays of Lakkí (behind) and of Xerókambos (ahead); it is reached by a steep track from the main road. What is seen immediately—the whitewashed church of the Panaghia and the main enclosure wall—is not particularly old: but immediately below the chapel to the east are well preserved stretches of ancient wall in the precise, isodomic masonry typical of the 4th century BC, created from large, slightly rusticated blocks which have been drafted at the corners—the whole structure then reinforced by another course internally. The extent of the walls suggests that more than a tower stood here—probably a larger fortress, possessed of excellent controlling views of the two important bays of the south of the island, and with good sight-lines to the ancient acropolis of the city on the summit where the Knights' castle now stands above Aghia Marina. A hastily erected mediaeval fortification, which now lies in rubble below, has also been raised on top of the walls here at some point. Traces of Early Christian mosaic in five colours in front of the west door of the chapel show that there was also a Palaeochristian church on this site.
Wikidata ID: Q56450502
DARE: 34505

Info: McGilchrist's Greek Islands

(From McGilchrist’s Greek Islands, © Nigel McGilchrist 2010, excerpted with his gracious permission. Click for the books)

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