Neratzia castle, sometimes simply known as Kos Castle or the castle of Kos is a large fortification overlooking the harbour in Kos town. Getting to the castle is simple as it’s right at the harbour front of
Kos town so you can simply walk by if you are visiting the capital. The entrance to the castle is from the square where you find the
Hippocrates Tree.
Entrance to the castle is 4€ per person and you can spend as long as you want inside. Once in you’ll be able to walk round the top battlement area and take some great photos of the harbour and surrounding areas as well as go down the stairs to the lower levels where there are lots of remains laid out to view. Also on the lower level are a couple of other buildings and you get a sense of the vast scale and of what it would have been like at it’s best.
If there’s one criticism of Neratzia castle it’s the lack of information around the site, there are a couple of boards about but not enough to really tell you about the history of the castle, what it was used for and what might have gone on in the castle in days gone by.
Another thing to note is that there are no safety rails at the top level so keep an eye on youngsters or anyone who’s a bit unsteady on their feet as there’s a large drop if they were to slip.
Unfortunately Neratzia castle sustained significant damage in the earthquake that hit
Kos in July 2017 and that means that it is currently closed to visitors. Hopefully some restoration can take place and the castle will be reopened to the public again soon.
