From Pontikokastro, the view stretches across the Bay of Kyparissia and the Ionian Sea to the islands of Zakynthos and Kefalonia; sunsets are also visible. The castle combines this view with its own construction history. This gives you two distinct points of interest for planning your trip: the views of named geographic features and the building’s historical development. Katakolo also offers a lighthouse as a historic monument, an exhibition on ancient Greek technology, and the beach and promenade as different ways to enjoy the coast.
Pontikokastro: Views and Construction History
Pontikokastro was rebuilt by the Franks in the 13th century and renamed “Beau Voir” or “Bel Vedere.” Remains of the walls of Pheia were used in its construction. These are distinct points of reference for the building’s history: the rebuilding and the two names describe the Franks’ treatment of the castle; the remains of the walls of Pheia identify a specific structural feature. The names refer to the same building, while the walls relate to the construction materials used. If you are exploring historic buildings, you can take a closer look at the renaming, the rebuilding and the materials used.
Lighthouse and History of Technology
The Katakolo lighthouse stands at the edge of the peninsula and was built in 1865. It is classified as a protected historic monument. The year of construction and the classification provide two different pieces of information: 1865 marks its construction, while its monument status reflects its protected historical designation. Alongside Pontikokastro, it offers a comparison with a different time reference. The castle’s history concerns its Frankish rebuilding in the 13th century, while the lighthouse was built in 1865. When considering the history of both buildings, you can view rebuilding and construction as distinct processes.
The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology presents an exhibition of around 300 inventions from ancient Greek technology. The focus thus shifts from the history of individual buildings to technological inventions. If you choose cultural topics by subject, this offers a different approach from Pontikokastro and the lighthouse. The exhibition is for travelers interested in technological inventions, while the history of each building is the main focus at the two historic sites.
Renata, Plakes and the Promenade
Renata, also known as Plakes, lies behind the port of Katakolo and consists predominantly of pebbles. Both names refer to the same beach. Katakolo’s promenade invites you to take a stroll by the water. This creates a clear distinction when choosing where to spend time along the shore: Renata/Plakes is characterized by its predominantly pebbly surface, while the promenade is associated with a walk by the water. If you want to choose a beach based on its surface or would rather take a stroll by the water, these two places offer different experiences.
Discover more destinations: Glifa, Lygia, Agios Andreas, Agia Anna, Kakovatos, Kougeika, Ikaros, Zacharo
For the overview of the wider region: Ilia.
