Castle of Volissos

The medieval castle of Volissos, chief village of Amani, is built on the slope of a high, steep hill. It was originally constructed by the Byzantines, probably in the 11th century. Tradition says it was built by General Belisarius in the 6th century AD, but there is no proof. In the 15th century, the Genoese rebuilt it into its final form. Trapezoidal in plan, it is made of a local dark rock high in copper, which gives it a very distinctive appearance. Around its perimeter there were six circular towers, while inside are traces of ruined structures such as cisterns and churches. Finally, a tunnel has been found connecting the castle to the coast and the area of Pythona.