Kastellorizo history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the island and the city of the same name, Kastellorizo, is rooted in deep antiquity. The first traces of human habitation here date back to the Neolithic era, although full settlement occurred during the ancient period. The ancient name of the island is Megisti, which means "the greatest," as it is the largest in the surrounding archipelago of small islets. It is believed that the first colonists were Dorians, who brought their culture and customs here.

Key Factors of Development

The development of the settlement was largely determined by its unique geographical position at the easternmost edge of the territories now occupied by Greece. The most important factors for growth were:

• Strategic Location: The island served as a convenient transit point on maritime routes between Cyprus, Egypt, and the Aegean Sea.
• Natural Harbour: A deep and protected bay provided safe anchorage for ships, which facilitated the development of navigation.
• Military Significance: In the 14th century, the Knights of the Order of Saint John built a powerful fortress here on the red rocks. It was this castle, named Castello Rosso (Red Castle), that gave the city and island their modern name.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, the economy of Kastellorizo has been inextricably linked to the sea. Due to rocky soil and a lack of arable land, agriculture played a secondary role. Residents specialised in maritime trade, shipping, and sponge diving. In antiquity, the island was in close political and cultural connection with Rhodes, being part of its dominions. This influence shaped the architectural appearance and traditions of the local population, oriented towards openness to the outside world and commercial exchange.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1306: The Knights of the Order of Saint John occupy the island and begin the construction of the Castello Rosso castle, from which the modern name Kastellorizo is derived.
• 1440: The Egyptian fleet of Sultan Jamal ad-Din captures the island, destroys the knight's fortress, and ravages the settlement.
• 1522: The territory passes under the rule of the Ottoman Empire shortly after the fall of Rhodes, remaining under Turkish control for several centuries.
• 1659: Venetian troops under the command of Francesco Morosini temporarily capture the island and once again destroy the restored fortifications.
• 1788: The Greek corsair Lambros Katsonis briefly liberates the city from the Turkish garrison during his naval campaigns.
• 1821: With the outbreak of the War of Independence, local residents send their merchant ships to aid the Greek fleet.
• 1913: The population stages an uprising against Ottoman rule and proclaims temporary autonomy.
• 1915: During the First World War, the French fleet occupies the island, using the convenient bay as a naval base.
• 1923: According to the Treaty of Lausanne, the archipelago officially passes under Italian administration.
• 1941: British Commandos land on the island during an operation in the Second World War.
• 1943: The city is subjected to massive bombings and fires, leading to the destruction of half the buildings and the evacuation of residents.
• 1948: Kastellorizo officially reunites with the state of Greece along with the rest of the Dodecanese islands.
• 1991: The Oscar-winning film "Mediterraneo," filmed on the island, is released, turning it into a popular tourist destination.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of the formation of the appearance and economy of Kastellorizo is a journey from a thriving trading port to a quiet tourist haven. Several turning points that defined the city's destiny can be highlighted:

• The "Golden Age" of Maritime Trade (Late 19th Century). During this period, the island possessed a powerful merchant fleet numbering over 500 sailing vessels. Economic prosperity allowed local merchants to accumulate significant capital, turning the city into a wealthy cosmopolitan centre at the crossroads of East and West.
• Architectural Boom and Neoclassicism. Thanks to revenues from shipping and sponge diving, the city acquired its unique look. Two- and three-storey mansions with tiled roofs, wooden balconies, and colourful facades were erected along the waterfront. This development formed the recognisable "amphitheatre" of houses around the bay, which is today the island's hallmark.
• Italian Urbanisation (1920s–1940s). During the period of Italian rule, a large-scale modernisation of infrastructure was carried out. Administrative buildings in colonial style (such as the Market and Town Hall) were built, paved roads were laid, and the port area was improved, bringing European features to the city's appearance.
• The Catastrophe of 1943–1944. Second World War bombings and the subsequent fire destroyed more than half of the housing stock. This event became a tragic watershed: a prosperous city with a population of over 10,000 people practically emptied, turning into ruins for decades.
• Mass Emigration. The post-war economic collapse forced most residents to leave Greece and move to Australia (especially Perth). This led to the preservation of the city: new buildings were not constructed, and old ones fell into disrepair, which, paradoxically, kept the historical layout intact.
• Cinematic and Tourist Renaissance (1990s). The release of the film "Mediterraneo," which won an Oscar, attracted global attention to the island. This kickstarted the restoration of ruined mansions and the reorientation of the economy from fishing to elite and yacht tourism.
• Modern Restoration. Today's stage of development is characterised by strict control over the preservation of cultural heritage. A ban on cars entering the historic part and the restoration of buildings in strict accordance with the original style have allowed the city to regain its former splendour, but now as a resort.

Urban Structure and Architectural Appearance

The city of Kastellorizo (Megisti) represents a unique architectural reserve, preserving the charm of old Europe on the border with the East. The urban layout is formed on the principle of an amphitheatre: residential quarters tightly encircle the horseshoe-shaped harbour and rise in terraces up the slopes of the hills. Due to the scarcity of land, houses stand close to one another, forming narrow labyrinths of cobbled streets and stairs inaccessible to automotive transport.

Stylistic Diversity of Eras

The architecture of the island intertwines the military severity of the Middle Ages, the elegance of Neoclassicism, and Eastern motifs. The main styles defining the city's look include:

• Medieval Fortification (14th Century). The era of the Knights Hospitaller left behind powerful defensive structures. The style is characterised by the use of rough local stone, thick walls, and strategic locations on high ground.
• Dodecanese Neoclassicism (19th – Early 20th Century). This is the dominant style of residential development. Wealthy shipowners built tall (two to three storeys) narrow mansions with triangular pediments, wooden balconies, and tiled roofs. A distinctive feature is the bright but harmonious colouring of the facades (terracotta, ochre, indigo, bordeaux) combined with white pilasters and window frames.
• Italian Rationalism (1920s–1940s). During the period of Italian rule, Greece (represented by the Dodecanese islands) received a number of administrative buildings with characteristic arched galleries ("arcades") and strict geometry of forms, intended to emphasise the status of the new authority.

Iconic Buildings and Monuments

The architectural portrait of the city is formed by several key objects that stand out against the background of residential development:

• Castello Rosso (Red Castle). The ruins of the knight's fortress atop the red rock. Preserved fragments of walls and towers serve as a reminder of the island's turbulent military past.
• Santrapeia School. A monumental building constructed in 1903, located in the Horafia district. It is executed in a strict neoclassical style and resembles Athenian public buildings of that period, symbolising the enlightenment and wealth of the community.
• Former Mosque (now a Museum). A building on the waterfront featuring an elegant minaret and a red dome. This is a vivid example of Ottoman architecture that blends harmoniously into the overall ensemble of the port.
• Lycian Tomb. A unique monument from the 4th century BC, carved directly into the rock beneath the castle. The entrance is designed in the form of a portico with Doric columns, which is a rare example of Asia Minor rock-cut architecture on European territory.

Legendary Names of Kastellorizo

The fate of this small but strategically important piece of land was decided by warriors, merchants, and artists. Here is a list of individuals whose names are forever inscribed in the history of the city and island of Kastellorizo.

• Foulques de Villaret (13th–14th centuries) — Grand Master of the Order of Hospitallers. It was he who led the expedition to capture the island in 1306. By his order, the powerful fortress of Castello Rosso was erected on the rock, giving the modern name to the island and defining its military role in the Eastern Mediterranean for many years.
• Lambros Katsonis (1752–1804) — A famous Greek revolutionary and corsair who also served as a colonel in the Russian army. In 1788, his flotilla stormed the local fortress, temporarily liberating the island from Ottoman rule. This episode is considered one of the heroic pages in the struggle for the region's independence.
• Loukas Santrapes (Late 19th – Early 20th century) — An outstanding benefactor and successful merchant. Having made a fortune in Egypt, he generously financed the development of his native island. Thanks to his donations, the famous Santrapeia School and the majestic Church of St. George were built, which today shape the architectural appearance of the waterfront.
• Despina Achladioti (1890–1982) — A national heroine, known as the "Lady of Ro" (Kyra tis Ro). A simple woman who became a symbol of resilience and patriotism. She lived for decades in solitude on the neighbouring tiny islet of Ro and every day, regardless of the weather or political situation, raised the flag of the state of Greece over her home.
• Gabriele Salvatores (born 1950) — An Italian film director. By choosing the island as the filming location for his movie "Mediterraneo" (Academy Award winner, 1992), he effectively gave the city a second life. The success of the picture attracted thousands of tourists and launched a process of large-scale restoration of historical buildings.
• David Gilmour (born 1946) — Legendary guitarist of the band Pink Floyd. He is an honorary citizen of the island and a frequent guest. Inspired by the local atmosphere, he wrote the composition "Castellorizon," which made the island's name famous among music lovers around the world.