The Castle of Arta was for centuries the strong capital of the Despotate of Epirus, and for this reason, its defensive capabilities had to be reinforced against any aspiring conqueror. This impressive Byzantine castle in Arta, built in a strategic position atop a hill, is a representative example of Byzantine fortification architecture and serves as a reminder of the city’s historical past, spanning eras and cultures.
The historical origins of the Castle of Arta are linked to the ancient city of Ambracia, which was located in the same area and already had natural and man-made fortifications since antiquity. Its placement on the southeastern side of the city is no coincidence, as the banks of the Arachthos River served as a natural barrier. The first significant phase of construction or reconstruction dates back to the 13th century, when Arta was the capital of the Despotate of Epirus.
Tradition attributes the reconstruction of the fortifications to Michael II Komnenos Doukas (1230–1268), while in 1357, Nikephoros II Orsini strengthened the fortress to face Serbian raids. Its current form was shaped in the 18th century by Ali Pasha, who modified the towers and the small castle. Later, the Castle of Arta lost its military significance and was used for many years as a prison. Today, it is remarkably well-preserved and open to visitors.
An architectural analysis of the Castle of Arta reveals an irregular polygonal shape, 280 meters long and 175 meters wide. The eastern section rests on the ancient fortifications of Ambracia, without towers, indicating the reuse of earlier constructions. Around the perimeter, there are approximately 18 towers—semicircular, triangular, or polygonal—spaced every 25 meters. The walls reach a thickness of 2.5 meters and a height of up to 10 meters, while the masonry consists of irregularly cut stones and bricks.
The main gate on the southern side is protected by a square tower. Inside, there is a wall-walk for the defenders’ movement, and in the northwestern section, the outer fortification stands out.
The Castle of Arta makes ideal use of its natural position—the hill and the bank of the Arachthos River—and combines Byzantine and later fortification techniques. The incorporated sections of ancient Ambracia on the eastern and northern sides highlight the continuous use of the site as a strategic point.
The post-Byzantine and Ottoman periods added battlements and gun ports, while the triangular section known as the “Uç Kale” functioned as an acropolis and refuge during a siege.
Today, the Castle of Arta offers visitors a unique experience of exploring a monument that tells centuries of history. From the hill beside the Arachthos River, the view over the modern city of Arta is panoramic.
Access from the city center is easy with a short walk, and the castle is a site of cultural and architectural significance. Visitors can explore the towers, follow the wall-walk, and discover the long-standing history of the Castle of Arta, one of the most important monuments of Epirus.
