The Castle of Monolithos

Christos Corner

Over breakfast we checked the road map and decided to visit Monolithos Castle before continuing our journey north. We had seen the castle on the horizon the evening before – indeed it's hard to miss, sitting atop a tall rock overlooking the sea – and it was only a short drive from Monolithos village.

Having parked the car we followed the path towards the castle (and the chapel of Saint Panteleimon which is within the castle walls). In the photo above you can see the castle through the trees on the left towards the top, and might imagine that there is not much more of a climb. There's a valley beyond, though, from which the real ascent begins. In fact the castle is 236m above sea level. The narrow path up the rock face is littered with debris and rather steep. How ever did they get supplies up there? And how did they get the stones up there to build the fortifications in the first place?

Monolithos Castle

The short video below shows my ascent and a quick tour of the castle, which was built in the 15th century on the foundations of a much older castle. You'll also see the chapel of Saint Panteleimon and a breathtaking view out towards Halki island.

More Posts about Castles on the Island of Rhodes

Lindos Acropolis
Monolithos to Kamiros
Asklipio