Editorial photo #13644403 Human Interest

The Castle Of Mytilene

A general view of the Castle of Mytilene on Lesvos Island, Greece, on April 30, 2026. The Castle of Mytilene is one of the largest fortifications in the Mediterranean, located on a peninsula at the northeastern edge of the city of Mytilene. It overlooks both the northern and southern harbors. Originally built during the Byzantine period, its current form includes later additions and modifications. In the 14th century, the Genoese family of the Gattilusi expanded it significantly. After the Ottoman conquest in 1462, the castle was reinforced for artillery use. Architecturally, it is divided into the Upper Castle and the Lower Castle, featuring massive walls, towers, gates, and courtyards. Inside, there are remains of structures from various periods, including storage buildings, cisterns, a mosque, and military installations. The castle historically played a defensive role, protecting the island and controlling access to the seas. Today, it is a historical monument and popular site for visitors, offering insights into the island's history and views of the Aegean Sea. (Photo by Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto)