Antimachia Castle, Kos Travel Guide

Antimachia Castle, also known as the Castle of the Knights, is a medieval fortress constructed in the 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller of St. John. Perched on a plateau southeast of Antimachia village, the castle occupies a strategic position, offering panoramic views of the southern coast of Kos, the Aegean archipelago, and the sea passage between Nisyros and Kos.The castle's history is marked by heroic battles and sieges. In 1457, it withstood a 23-day siege by an Ottoman army of 16,000 men, defended by only 15 knights and a few hundred locals. The castle served as a refuge for the local population during pirate raids and Ottoman invasions. It also functioned as a prison for knights accused of insubordination. After an earthquake in 1493, the castle was renovated and reinforced.Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved outer walls and the ruins of the old settlement. Inside the castle, you'll find two churches: the Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos (16th century) and the chapel of Agia Paraskevi (early 18th century). Although little remains of the old settlement, the castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the Aegean Sea. The entrance features a massive crescent-shaped bastion with the Knights' symbol engraved in marble.