Remains of a Hellenistic fortification are preserved on the hill of Kastro, southeast of Tarsana. It is the acropolis of the island, a fortress that controls the port, the bay of Katsadia and other coves to the west and mainly the sea crossings, facing Patmos. At the top of the hill, about 107m high, an elongated plateau is formed, in which the remains of ancient buildings and a fortified enclosure are preserved. The wall is preserved to a large extent and parts of it are visible mainly on its east side, where a gate is formed. Remains are also visible on the south side of the fortification, with a rectangular tower measuring 8×5 m. On its walls, 1m wide, rectangular bricks have been used, while in some places there are stones of more negligent processing and irregular shape. The north side of the wall bends to the west and can be seen at a length of 7m. Inside the enclosure, to the southwest, the remains of an ancient rectangular building are found. Inside the acropolis there are stone walls, dry stones and tufa, scattered surface ceramics from the Archaic period to late antiquity, as well as clay tiles. In 1957 archaeologists George Ewart Bean and John Manuel Cook found a Hellenistic bronze coin of Miletus on the acropolis.
Νorth and east of the wall down to the foot of the hill, are found scattered potsherds dating from the Late Classical to the Roman period. The main settlement of Lipsi would spread over these areas. In the area of the Castle were also recovered important inscriptions with the names of castellans as well as small altars dedicated to Zeus Genethlios and Artemis Soteira.
Means of access:
Car, Pedestrian
Disabled access:
No
Opening hours:
Free
Entry fees:
Free
