Welcome to Santa Maura Castle of Lefkada
Welcome to the renovated Santa Maura castle. If you’re planning a holiday in Lefkada, a visit to the newly restored Castle of Santa Maura is an absolute must. This ancient fortress, with its origins dating back to 1300, was constructed by the influential noble John I (Giovanni) Orsini. Over the centuries, the castle has been the center of numerous sieges and occupations, held at different times by Franks (Andegavins), Ottomans, Venetians, the French, and the British.
A pivotal moment in its history came on May 21, 1864, when Lefkada, reverting to its ancient Greek name, was united with Greece along with the other Ionian islands. On that day, a ceremonious event saw the British garrison withdrawing from the castle, and the Greek flag proudly raised by the Greek army.
In honor of the 160th anniversary of this significant event, the Greek Ministry of Culture has organized a grand ceremony to mark the completion of the castle’s extensive renovation. This summer, take the opportunity to explore the beautifully restored Castle of Santa Maura and immerse yourself in its rich history!
An Absolute Must Visit
Finally, after six years of archaeological works, the renovated Santa Maura castle is ready to welcome its visitors from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. In particular, it’s an ideal place for cultural events in the summer but is also great for children. Everybody knows that children love traveling back in time through tales of knights and pirates. After all, during the Ottoman occupation for almost 200 years, sailors referred to the castle as “The Monsters Nest” because it served as a pirates hideout. So, this summer, remember to schedule a visit to the castle. It promises to be a delightful experience for both you and your family. Also, it’s a perfect spot to capture some beautiful photos of Lefkada town at sunset.
Finally, as always we love hosting you in LEFKASEABNB and we want to make you feel like a local. We are looking forward to sharing with you the secrets of Lefkada!
The island of turquoise waters!