Castle of Mytilene

The Castle of Mytilene, covering 60 stremmata, lies in the northeastern part of the modern city. The site was inhabited since antiquity, while the first phase of the castle dates to the Byzantine era (6th c. AD). Its present form goes back to the late Byzantine period, when the island was under the Gattilusi (1355–1462). Within the castle stood the palace of Francesco Gattilusio, known as the “Queen’s Tower,” while coats of arms of the Gattilusi and the Palaiologoi appear on the gates and in various other spots. By its layout, it is divided into three sections—the Upper, Middle and Lower Castle—beneath which are long galleries used in wartime. From 1462 to 1912 the castle was taken by the Ottomans, who made repairs and additions. With the arrival of refugees from the Asia Minor coast (1922), its use was adapted to residential as well.