The Castle of Santa Maura (Agia Mavra), located at the very entrance of Lefkada, stands as one of the most imposing and well-preserved medieval fortifications in Greece. Built around the year 1300 by the Frankish ruler John Orsini when he received Lefkada as a wedding gift, the fortress was strategically constructed on a narrow strip of land between the lagoon and the open sea. For centuries, it served as the island's primary line of defense against pirate raids and foreign invaders.
The architecture of the castle beautifully reflects the turbulent history and successive foreign rulers of Lefkada. The original Frankish stronghold was extensively expanded and modernized by both the Venetians and the Ottomans, who added massive bastions, artillery positions, and a deep protective moat. Within its walls developed a bustling fortified town that included administrative quarters, military barracks, gunpowder magazines, a mosque, and Christian churches. Among them, the Church of Agia Mavra, which gave its name to the entire fortress (and to the island itself for a long period), remains a key historical anchor.
Today, the Castle of Santa Maura is a highly accessible archaeological site that captivates every traveler. Stepping across its entrance bridge feels like stepping back in time, allowing visitors to explore sturdy stone walls, subterranean passages, and evocative ruins. The site offers a magnificent panoramic view of the endless Ionian Sea, the surrounding wetlands, and the town of Lefkada, while frequently hosting cultural events and concerts during the summer months, beautifully blending history with modern Cretan art and life.