Castle of Lazaros

The Castle of Lazaros on Samos is one of the island’s most important Middle Byzantine strongholds. Built in a strategic position atop Mount Ambelos, with views to both the north and south seas, it offered residents a secure refuge during the Arab raids of the 7th century. The extensive fortress, about 380 x 120 meters, housed hundreds of dwellings. Today, sections of the fortifications and foundations survive, along with the bases of houses and a small church, offering valuable insights into life’s organization in that era. The castle served as both a refuge and a lookout to watch the seven‑stadia strait and Aegean sea routes. Beyond its historical interest, the spot is one of Samos’s most spectacular viewpoints, revealing landscapes of great natural beauty and a panoramic image of the island.