KARABABA FORTRESS
An Ottoman fortress dating back to the 17th century,
located in the mainland side of the town, in the settlement
Kanithos (or “Karababas”, as it is still widely known) on the
hill of Fourka. The fortress’s position was strategic, as this is
the point from where the Euripus Strait and the town were
controlled. Moreover, according to some scholars, this
position is identified with the ancient town Kanithos due
to scattered findings found on the ground’s surface. The
fortress saved today was built in 1684 by the Turks with the
aim to protect the town by the Venetians. It was designed
by the Venetian architect Gerolimo Galopo, therefore its
architecture is more on the European seide. The form of the
fortress resembles mostly Venetian structures and the unique
gate is located on the southeastern side of the wall, while in
the precinct is saved the Temple of Prophet Elias dating back
to 1895. A number of repair works have been made in the
fortress during the period 1985-2000, and today it houses
an exhibition venue. The Turks managed to keep it until the
Liberation of Greece, when it was granted to the Greek state.
Note: At the entrance of the fortress there is the grave of
the author and poet Giannis Skaribas.
Το Know
Κατά την ελληνική επανάστα-
ση οι Έλληνες δεν μπόρεσαν,
αν και έγιναν πολλές προ-
σπάθειες, να καταλάβουν την
Χαλκίδα. Η πόλη παραδόθηκε
από τους Τούρκους μετά τη
συνθήκη του 1833.
During the Greek War of
Independence, the Greeks
didn’t manage to conquer
Chalkida, despite their efforts.
The town was given to the
Greek state by the Turks after
the Treaty of 1833.
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