Neratzia Castle (Castle of the Knights)
Stroll Through History: Ancient Sites & Monuments
Introduction to Neratzia Castle – The Guardian of Kos
Standing proudly at the entrance to Kos Town’s harbor, Neratzia Castle, also known as the Castle of the Knights, is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. With its imposing stone walls, medieval towers, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, the fortress is a must-visit attraction for history lovers, photographers, and curious travelers alike.
Built by the Knights of Saint John in the 14th century, Neratzia Castle was once a formidable stronghold designed to defend Kos against pirates and Ottoman invasions. Today, it stands as a majestic reminder of the island’s medieval past, offering visitors a chance to explore its ancient passageways, towers, and defensive walls while enjoying panoramic views of Kos Town and the Turkish coastline.
In this section, we’ll explore:
✔ The history and construction of Neratzia Castle
✔ Why the Knights of Saint John built the fortress
✔ How the castle evolved over the centuries
The History of Neratzia Castle
Neratzia Castle’s story begins in the late 1300s, during a time of great political and military turmoil in the Mediterranean. The island of Kos, strategically located near Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), was a valuable naval and trading hub that needed protection from Ottoman raids and pirate attacks.
📍 Key Historical Moments:
✔ 1314: The Knights of Saint John arrive in the Dodecanese and establish Kos as an important stronghold.
✔ 14th Century: Construction of Neratzia Castle begins, using stones from ancient Greek and Roman ruins.
✔ 15th Century: The castle is expanded and reinforced, transforming it into a massive defensive fortress.
✔ 1523: The Ottoman Empire invades Kos, taking control of the castle and the island.
✔ 1912: Italian forces seize Kos, marking the castle’s final military occupation.
💡 Did You Know? Some of the stones used in the castle’s construction were taken from the ruins of the Ancient Agora and Asklepion of Kos!
Why Was the Castle Built? The Knights of Saint John & Their Mission
The Knights of Saint John were a Catholic military order that controlled Rhodes, Kos, and other nearby islands in the 14th and 15th centuries. Their mission was to defend Christian territories from Ottoman expansion while securing trade routes in the Aegean.
✔ Kos was an important naval base for the knights, helping them control the sea lanes between Greece and Asia Minor.
✔ Neratzia Castle was designed as an early warning and defense system, forming a protective chain with other castles in the Dodecanese.
✔ The fortress housed soldiers, weapons, and supplies, ready to defend against Ottoman invasions and pirate raids.
💡 Did You Know? The castle was connected to Kos Town by a drawbridge, allowing knights to retreat quickly if the town was attacked!
The Architecture & Layout of Neratzia Castle
Neratzia Castle is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, featuring double fortification walls, massive towers, and hidden escape routes.
✔ The Outer Wall: Built with thick limestone blocks, reinforced for maximum protection.
✔ The Inner Fortress: A secondary defensive line, designed to withstand direct attacks.
✔ The Four Main Towers: Offering 360-degree views and strategic defense points.
✔ Secret Tunnels & Storage Chambers: Used for food, weapons, and emergency escape routes.
💡 Tip: Look for medieval coats of arms carved into the castle walls—these represent the knights who defended Kos!
Why Visit Neratzia Castle Today?
✔ It’s one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Greece.
✔ The views from the castle walls are spectacular, especially at sunset.
✔ It offers a fascinating glimpse into Kos’ medieval past, making it a great place for history lovers and photographers.
💡 Tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the best lighting for photos!
🏨 Looking for the perfect base to explore Kos' medieval history? Koasis Boutique Apartments offers stylish stays just minutes away from Neratzia Castle!
Dates available at MayExploring the Castle’s Interior – What to See Today
A visit to Neratzia Castle is like stepping back into the medieval world of knights, battles, and fortresses. The castle’s thick stone walls, defensive towers, and ancient battlements offer a fascinating glimpse into Kos’ past, making it one of the island’s most impressive historical landmarks.
This section will guide you through the most important sights inside the castle, from its grand entrance to its hidden chambers and breathtaking viewpoints.
✔ Explore the inner and outer fortifications
✔ Discover medieval weapons, coats of arms, and knight carvings
✔ Walk along the castle walls for panoramic views of Kos Town and the Aegean
Entering the Castle – A Journey Through Time
The entrance to Neratzia Castle is nothing short of majestic. As you approach, you’ll notice:
✔ A massive stone gateway, once guarded by iron gates and knights on duty.
✔ Medieval coats of arms carved into the walls, representing the noble families who ruled Kos.
✔ The remains of a drawbridge, which once connected the castle to Kos Town’s main square.
💡 Tip: As you step through the castle gates, imagine the feeling of a knight entering a powerful stronghold in the 15th century!
The Outer Walls & Towers – The First Line of Defense
Once inside, you’ll see the massive outer walls that once served as Kos’ primary defense against Ottoman invasions and pirate raids.
📍 What to Look For:
✔ Four defensive towers, strategically placed at each corner of the fortress.
✔ The thick stone walls, built to withstand cannon fire and enemy sieges.
✔ Small windows and arrow slits, where knights would defend the castle using bows and crossbows.
💡 Did You Know? The walls were constructed using ancient Greek and Roman stones, repurposed from older ruins on Kos.
The Inner Fortress – The Stronghold of the Knights
Inside the outer walls, you’ll find a second layer of fortifications—the inner keep, where the most important defensive operations took place.
📍 Highlights of the Inner Fortress:
✔ The Command Center – This was the strategic headquarters of the Knights of Saint John.
✔ The Storage Chambers – Underground rooms used for food, weapons, and emergency supplies.
✔ The Watchtowers – Offering incredible views over the sea and Kos Town.
💡 Tip: Climb to the top of the towers for an unforgettable view of the harbor!
Medieval Carvings & Coats of Arms
Throughout the castle, you’ll find inscriptions, carvings, and symbols left behind by the knights.
✔ Look for the Cross of the Knights of Saint John, engraved into several stone blocks.
✔ Some walls feature family crests, representing the noble commanders who governed Kos.
✔ Keep an eye out for medieval graffiti—some inscriptions were left by soldiers over 500 years ago!
💡 Tip: Bring a camera or smartphone—these carvings are amazing details to photograph!
The Grand Courtyard – A Medieval Meeting Place
At the heart of the castle lies the Grand Courtyard, once used for military ceremonies, training, and storage.
📍 What to See Here:
✔ The remains of ancient statues, which were moved here from the Roman Agora.
✔ Large stone blocks, used for building defensive walls and catapult platforms.
✔ Old cannonballs, once used to defend against enemy ships.
💡 Tip: This is a great spot to rest and take in the size and power of the castle.
Climbing the Castle Walls – The Best View in Kos
One of the best experiences at Neratzia Castle is walking along the battlements, where you’ll get a 360-degree view of Kos Town, the sea, and the Turkish coastline.
📍 Top Viewpoints:
✔ The Northern Wall, overlooking the harbor and the Aegean Sea.
✔ The Eastern Towers, with breathtaking views of Kos Town and the mountains beyond.
✔ The Western Walls, where you can see the remains of old cannon platforms and defense structures.
💡 Tip: Visit at sunset for one of the most breathtaking views on the island!
Why Neratzia Castle is a Must-Visit in Kos
✔ A rare chance to explore a medieval fortress from the time of the Crusades.
✔ One of the best-preserved castles in the Greek islands.
✔ Unparalleled views of Kos Town, the Aegean Sea, and even Turkey.
✔ A perfect mix of history, adventure, and scenic beauty.
💡 Tip: Don’t rush your visit—take your time exploring the hidden corners of the castle!
🏨 Looking for a place to stay near Kos’ medieval wonders? Koasis Boutique Apartments offers modern comfort just minutes from Neratzia Castle!
Dates available at MayBest Views & Photo Spots – Capturing the Beauty of Neratzia Castle
Neratzia Castle isn’t just a historical marvel—it’s also one of the most photogenic locations in Kos. With its towering medieval walls, breathtaking sea views, and intricate architectural details, the fortress provides stunning backdrops for travelers, photographers, and history enthusiasts alike.
In this section, we’ll explore:
✔ The best photo spots inside and around the castle
✔ How to capture the beauty of the fortress at different times of the day
✔ Tips for getting the perfect shot of Kos Town and the Aegean Sea
The Top Photo Spots Inside Neratzia Castle
📍 Where to Get the Best Pictures:
✔ The Castle Entrance: Capture the massive stone gateway, framed by medieval carvings and historical coats of arms.
✔ The Inner Courtyard: A fantastic setting with ancient ruins, stone archways, and remnants of old catapults.
✔ The Defensive Towers: Climb to the top of the towers for a commanding view over Kos Town.
✔ The Walls Overlooking the Sea: The northern and eastern walls provide stunning vistas of the Aegean and Turkey.
✔ The Secret Passageways: Some of the underground tunnels and chambers make for intriguing, shadowy shots.
💡 Tip: If you love capturing textures, get close-up shots of the weathered stone walls and medieval engravings!
Best Time to Visit for Photography
✔ Morning (8 AM - 10 AM): Soft light, fewer tourists, and cooler temperatures—perfect for capturing details of the architecture.
✔ Midday (11 AM - 2 PM): Strong contrasts and deep shadows—great for dramatic shots of the castle’s rugged walls.
✔ Sunset (6 PM - 8 PM): The golden hour bathes the castle in warm hues, making it the perfect time for landscape shots.
💡 Tip: For the best lighting, visit during the golden hour, just before sunset. The warm glow on the stone walls creates a magical effect.
The Best Views Over Kos Town & the Aegean Sea
One of the highlights of visiting Neratzia Castle is the unmatched panoramic views you’ll get from its high vantage points.
📍 Top Viewpoints:
✔ The Northern Wall: Overlooks the Aegean Sea, with a clear view of Bodrum, Turkey.
✔ The Western Tower: Offers aerial views of Kos Town, including Eleftherias Square and the harbor.
✔ The Eastern Ramparts: Perfect for watching the sunrise over the island’s coastline.
✔ The Southern Edge: A great perspective of the castle’s double fortifications.
💡 Tip: If you visit on a clear day, you might even spot distant Greek islands from the top of the castle walls!
The Most Instagram-Worthy Angles & Shots
✔ The classic "castle in the sky" shot: Stand at the base of the castle and photograph the walls towering above you.
✔ The "knight’s perspective": Frame your shot through an archway or window, as if looking out from the castle during medieval times.
✔ The "ocean view": Capture the deep blue Aegean stretching out from the castle walls.
✔ The "ancient meets modern" contrast: Photograph Kos Town from the castle, blending medieval and modern elements.
💡 Tip: Experiment with black and white photography to enhance the dramatic medieval atmosphere!
Sunset & Night Photography at the Castle
As the sun sets, Neratzia Castle transforms into a magical setting, perfect for romantic and dramatic photography.
✔ Sunset Shots: The sky turns pink, orange, and purple, casting a warm glow on the castle walls.
✔ Nighttime Illumination: The castle is lit up at night, making it a stunning subject for long-exposure photography.
✔ Star Photography: If you’re into astro-photography, the castle offers a great foreground for capturing the night sky.
💡 Tip: Bring a tripod for night shots, and try using long exposure settings to capture the soft glow of the castle lights.
Why Neratzia Castle is a Photographer’s Dream
✔ One of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Aegean.
✔ A perfect mix of architectural details, ocean views, and historic charm.
✔ Endless opportunities for creative photography—from landscapes to textures and portraits.
✔ Breathtaking lighting at sunrise, sunset, and nighttime.
💡 Tip: Even if you’re not a professional photographer, Neratzia Castle is the perfect place to capture unforgettable vacation memories!
🏨 Want to stay near Kos' most photogenic landmarks? Koasis Boutique Apartments offers a stylish retreat just minutes from Neratzia Castle!
Dates available at MayHow to Visit Neratzia Castle – Practical Tips & FAQs
Visiting Neratzia Castle, also known as the Castle of the Knights, is a must when exploring Kos Town. Whether you're a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or just looking for spectacular views, this medieval fortress offers an unforgettable experience.
Where is Neratzia Castle Located?
📍 Location: Kos Town, Greece
📍 GPS Coordinates: 36.8938° N, 27.2905° E
✔ The castle is situated at the entrance of Kos Town's harbor, right next to the iconic Hippocrates Tree.
✔ It's just a few minutes’ walk from Eleftherias Square and the Ancient Agora.
✔ Easily accessible on foot, by bicycle, or by car.
💡 Tip: The castle is part of a larger historical area, so consider visiting the Ancient Agora and Archaeological Museum of Kos on the same trip!
How to Get to Neratzia Castle
🚶 On Foot:
✔ If you’re staying in Kos Town, the castle is within walking distance of most hotels and attractions.
🚲 By Bicycle:
✔ Kos is a bike-friendly island, and the castle is easily accessible by cycling through the coastal roads.
✔ You’ll find bike parking nearby.
🚗 By Car:
✔ If you're staying outside Kos Town, you can drive to the castle and park nearby.
✔ There are several parking lots close to the harbor and Eleftherias Square.
🚌 By Public Transport:
✔ Local buses connect Kos Town to other parts of the island, making it easy to reach the castle.
💡 Tip: If you're taking a ferry from another island, Neratzia Castle is right next to the port, making it an ideal first stop!
Opening Hours & Entrance Fees
⌚ Opening Hours:
✔ Summer (April - October): 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
✔ Winter (November - March): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟 Entrance Fees:
✔ FREE entry – One of the few well-preserved castles in Greece that is open to the public without a ticket.
💡 Tip: Since entry is free, it’s worth visiting more than once—try going in the morning for peaceful exploration and at sunset for breathtaking views.
Tips for a Great Visit to Neratzia Castle
✔ Visit early or late in the day – Midday can be hot, so aim for morning or sunset hours.
✔ Wear comfortable shoes – The terrain is uneven, with some steep staircases.
✔ Bring water & sunscreen – There is very little shade inside the fortress.
✔ Take your time exploring – The castle has hidden tunnels, stairways, and medieval engravings worth discovering.
✔ Bring a camera – The views over Kos Town and the Aegean are spectacular!
💡 Tip: If you want to avoid crowds, visit in the early morning or during lunchtime, when fewer tourists are around.
FAQs About Neratzia Castle
❓ How long does it take to explore Neratzia Castle?
✔ Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours exploring the castle, but if you love history or photography, you could easily stay longer.
❓ Is Neratzia Castle wheelchair accessible?
✔ Due to its medieval design, the castle has steep stairs and uneven pathways, making accessibility difficult. However, the outer courtyard and entrance areas are relatively flat and easy to navigate.
❓ Are guided tours available?
✔ While official guided tours are not always available on-site, many private tour operators offer walking tours of Kos Town that include Neratzia Castle.
❓ Can I visit Neratzia Castle at night?
✔ While the castle itself closes in the evening, it is beautifully illuminated at night and offers a stunning view from outside the walls.
❓ Are there any events or festivals at Neratzia Castle?
✔ Occasionally, local cultural events and historical reenactments are held at the site. Check local event calendars for details!
Why Neratzia Castle is One of Kos’ Best Attractions
✔ A fascinating glimpse into the medieval history of Kos.
✔ A perfect mix of history, architecture, and breathtaking views.
✔ One of the best free attractions in Kos, making it accessible for all visitors.
✔ A must-visit site for history lovers, photographers, and families.
💡 Tip: If you love historical sites, consider visiting Antimachia Castle and Paleo Pyli, two other stunning medieval ruins on the island.
🏨 Planning your stay near Kos Town’s historic landmarks? Koasis Boutique Apartments offers stylish and comfortable accommodations just minutes from Neratzia Castle!
Dates available at May