Old Pyli

Why go

Old Pyli stands on a hilltop at about 300 m, 3 km south-east of today's Pyli, in the middle of the island. The settlement grew in the late 11th century around the castle and monastery of Saint Christodoulos, who later founded the monastery of Saint John on Patmos. It was abandoned in 1813 or 1830, after an epidemic.

Inside are the remains of houses, cobbled lanes and seven towers from different periods, with the castle's rectangular gate. Three churches still stand: Agios Antonios, Panagia Kastriani and Agioi Asomatoi. From the top the view reaches Pserimos, Kalymnos and the coast of Turkey. Entry is free; the castle is reached from Pyli along a forest path.