The castle foundations contain masonry from the 10th-century Byzantine era, visible in the lower sections of the walls.
The Genoese coat of arms of the Giustiniani family is still visible on several marble lintels above historic doorways.
The interior contains an Ottoman-era tomb, the mausoleum of Kara Ali Pasha, which remains a focal point of the local history.
The castle walls are integrated into the modern city's urban fabric, acting as a functional boundary between the old and new town.
The Byzantine museum housed in the Justiniani Palace features a collection of wall paintings and marble sculptures salvaged from regional churches.
The fortification layout includes a complex 'ditch' system that was originally designed to be flooded for defensive purposes.
The Castle of Chios (Kastro) is a fortified medieval residential settlement that has been continuously inhabited since the Byzantine period. Its current layout reflects the significant influence of the Genoese Giustiniani family who occupied the citadel from 1346 to 1566. The fortifications feature a massive moat and a complex network of bastions and walls rebuilt during the Ottoman era. Within the walls lies the 'Rioni' neighborhood, characterized by narrow winding alleys, traditional houses, and remnants of Ottoman-era religious structures. Key architectural elements include the Justiniani Palace, which now serves as a museum for Byzantine and post-Byzantine antiquities. The main entrance, known as the Porta Maggiore, features marble reliefs and a stone-carved inscription dating to the 17th century. The site functions as a living historic district rather than an abandoned ruin, with residents living in homes built directly against or within the defensive walls. Significant archaeological remains within the site include a Turkish cemetery and the Fatih Mosque (built on the site of a former church). The structure occupies a strategic position overlooking the Chios harbor.
The view of the Porta Maggiore gate from the bridge crossing the exterior moat.
Wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes as the interior streets consist of uneven, historic cobblestones.
Walk the perimeter trail along the moat to see the scale of the defensive bastions from the outside.
Respect the privacy of the local residents by not photographing private domestic interiors.
Do not attempt to climb the unrestored wall sections, as they are fragile and pose a significant safety risk.
The internal museum is closed on Mondays and certain public holidays.
Maintain a quiet volume as the site is a residential neighborhood; modest dress is required if visiting the preserved religious interior spaces.
