Discover Lefktro

When searching for a hotel in Lefktro, the area’s historical connections may also be of interest, in addition to the destination itself. Lefktro Castle is a specific landmark in this regard. The site brings together a connection to an ancient acropolis and a castle dating from the 13th century.

Lefktro Castle and its surroundings

The castle lies between the villages of Lefktro and Stoupa, on a hill near the coast and on the site of an ancient acropolis. The acropolis and the castle are not the same thing: the former refers to the ancient site, while Lefktro Castle is the structure built later. This makes it possible to distinguish the place and its two historical periods. The castle is in the surrounding area of Lefktro, not in the village itself. This geographical distinction helps place the castle’s cultural significance in the context of the destination without treating it as a building within the village.

Name and construction history

The castle is also known as Beaufort (Oraiokastro); both names refer to the same structure. It is mentioned in the “Chronicle of the Morea.” It was built in 1248–1249 at the instigation of the Frankish Prince of Achaea, William II Villehardouin (1245–1278). The stated purpose of its construction was to subdue the Tsakonians and Slavs of Taygetos. The dates refer to different things: 1248–1249 marks the construction, while 1245–1278 appears alongside the prince’s name. The construction date and the dates associated with the prince should therefore be read separately. The stated purpose and the mention in the chronicle add further historical context to the dating.

Surviving parts of the ruin

Today, the castle is a ruin. Parts of the entrance structure and walls have survived. There are also foundations of a building identified either as a tower or as the castellan’s residence. A castellan was the garrison commander; the foundations therefore admit two possible interpretations. There is also an underground rectangular cistern, or water reservoir. The entrance structure refers to the architecturally designed entrance area. The foundations, in turn, leave the building’s function open, while the cistern is identified as a separate underground feature. Those interested in historical development and architectural remains will find two distinct perspectives here: the construction history places the castle in its historical context, while the surviving parts describe its ruinous state.

Another cultural connection in the region

In the wider region, the finds listed for the prehistoric city are housed in the Museum of Kalamata. This should be distinguished from the castle: Lefktro Castle lies between Lefktro and Stoupa, while the finds are in the Museum of Kalamata. For a culturally oriented choice of destination, these offer two different points of interest: the nearby castle and the museum finds in Kalamata.

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