Fortress of Paleo Pyli

The Byzantine fortress of Paleo Pili (meaning old gate in Greek) is located near the village of Paleo Pili and 17 km from the capital of Kos. The fortress and the village of Paleo Pili are located in a well fortified position, in the western part of the mountain range of Dikaio, at an altitude of about 300 meters above sea level. The fortress was built during the rule of the Byzantine Empire from the 9th to the 11th century. During the domination of the Ionite Knights on the island, the walls of the fortress were fortified, and the fortress itself became one of the main defense sites of the island. During the Knights' period, the fortress was one of the most important refuges of the islanders. In 1449, Master de Lastik ordered the islanders to gather in the fortress to protect themselves from a possible Turkish invasion. During the siege of the island by the Turks in 1457, the inhabitants of Nerania took refuge here and were saved because the fortress was impregnable. In 1523, the island of Kos and the island of Rhodes were occupied by the Turks. The Turks used the fortress as barracks for the military garrison and the governor's residence, and in 1816 the fortress was almost completely destroyed when a gunpowder depot exploded. According to Iakovos Zaraftis, the village and the fortress were abandoned and deserted in the early 19th century, and according to other sources in 1830 due to a severe epidemic. From the top of the hill you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Turkish coast and the town of Bodrum, located directly opposite.