Castle of Kefalos

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The Castle of Kefalos, located on the top of a hill, was built by the Knights Hospitaller of St. John on the foundations of an older fortification dating back at 1271.
At the time the island was subject to many raids.

Due to its defensive location and the fact that it was well fortified, it turned into a refuge for the locals of the time period. In 1457 an Ottoman raid failed, which made the Order of St. John think about transferring the population of Kos to Rhodes. The castle was severely damaged in the earthquake of 1493, was repaired though the following years. In 1505, the order was given to evacuate and abandon the castle whilst a new Turkish raid was imminent.

Although the height of the wall externally is remarkable, it had a weak structure. Today only a part of it is preserved.