
The limestone shines beneath our feet with a centuries’ worn gleam that sets my skin tingling – thinking of all those who trod the same path centuries before . The history articles claim the origins of Kassiopi Castle date back to the 6th century – what would the Byzantines make of the trail of sweaty, underdressed foreigners who traipse along its ruins in the 21st century? We stop dutifully at each viewing point, aiming our phone cameras where hundreds of years ago artillery would be covering the steep climb up from the navy Ionian sea. The Venetians ordered the castle’s destruction to prevent enemy use, but local stories record that a fire breathing dragon destroyed it and poisoned all who lived nearby. What a tale to tell the children – behave, or the dragon will come for you!
Azure and navy
History tumbles between
Scorched by myth and man.