The settlement was abandoned in 1830 following a severe cholera epidemic that decimated the population.
The Taxiarchis church at the site houses frescoes dating back to the 14th century, though many are faded.
The castle served as the administrative center of Kos during the Byzantine period and under the Knights of Saint John.
Strategic positioning allowed the inhabitants to observe incoming pirate ships from both the north and south coasts of the island.
The site includes remnants of an ancient acropolis foundation beneath the later Byzantine fortifications.
Palaio Pyli Castle is a Byzantine-era ruin situated on a steep, rocky mountain slope in the Dikeos range of Kos, Greece. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, the fortress served as the island’s primary defensive stronghold against pirate incursions. The site features the remains of three distinct churches, including the 14th-century Taxiarchis chapel, which retains original interior frescoes. Stone houses, cisterns, and fortification walls are scattered across the uneven, terraced terrain. The village at the foot of the hill was abandoned by its inhabitants in the 1830s due to a major cholera outbreak. Visitors must traverse a steep, winding gravel path to reach the castle entrance. From the summit, the site offers a panoramic vantage point over the Marmari coastline and the Aegean Sea. Archaeological remains are largely unmaintained, reflecting a raw state of preservation.
The arched entrance of the ruined church near the highest point of the fortress, framing the Aegean Sea in the background.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with aggressive tread, as the terrain consists of loose gravel and uneven, sharp limestone.
Bring significantly more water than you expect to consume, as there are no services, shops, or shade once you leave the trailhead.
Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the heat reflecting off the white stone ruins.
Do not attempt the climb in flip-flops or open-toed sandals, and avoid visiting during high-wind conditions due to exposed cliff edges.
Open daily year-round; however, access may be restricted during extreme weather conditions such as high winds or forest fire alerts.
Respect the archaeological ruins by not climbing on fragile walls; dress modestly if entering the chapel spaces.
