14.07.2025
Pigeon Island
In the 13th century, the Genoese founded Pigeon Island and constructed a fortress there, beginning the island’s history. It underwent major alterations and upgrades over the years, which molded its own personality.
The castle played a key function under the Ottoman Empire as a “Pirate Police Station” to stop piracy in the area. The renowned Ottoman admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa oversaw the Ottoman expansion of the citadel, which included building the inner castle and armory in 1533. The Morea Revolt caused outside damage to the castle in the 19th century, prompting wall strengthening and renovations in 1826 and 1827.
