Castle of Santa Maura

The imposing medieval castle of Agia Mavra in Lefkada is the first sight visitors encounter before even reaching the island. Sitting on a peninsula between Lefkada and the Greek mainland, the fortification building dominates the entrance of the island. It occupies an area of 25.000 sqm and has been besieged 12 times throughout its existence.

In 1204, the island of Lefkada was an integral part of the Despotate of Epirus. However, in 1294, Lefkada was captured by the French and was bestowed as a wedding gift to the Count of Orsini.

With the passage of time, the Count of Orsini built the foundations of the Agia Mavra Castle, which can still be seen standing upright at the island’s entrance. It was he who built strong fortifications in order to protect the islands from pirates and other enemies.
At the time of its inception, in the medieval period, the entire neighborhood was named Castle of Agia Mavra and historians believe that for quite some time the name was used to indicate the whole of Lefkada island.
In its heyday, the castle’s interior had cisterns, quarters and administrative buildings.

The castle of Agia Mavra is ideally located close to Lefkada Town and is an excellent example of fortress architecture. It has undergone extensive renovation and has been very well preserved to this day. The elegant Agia Mavra Church is located here, and it comes alive during the summer season with a plethora of cultural events that draw many visitors.

Summer period 1 April – 31 August

Daily except Tuesday: 8.00 – 20.00 (last entrance 19.30)
Tuesday: Closed

1 September – 15 September

Daily except Tuesday: 8.00 – 19.30 (last entry 19.00)
Tuesday: Closed

16 September – 30 September

Daily except Tuesday: 8.00 – 19.00 (last entry 18.30)
Tuesdays: Closed

1 October – 15 October

Daily except Tuesday: 8.00 – 18.30 (last entry 18.00)
Tuesday: Closed

16 October – 31 October

Daily except Tuesday: 8.00 – 18.00 (last entry 17.30)
Tuesday: Closed

Winter period

1 November – 31 March

Daily except Tuesday: 08.00 – 15.30 (last entry 15.00)
Tuesday: Closed

Closed:

1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 25 and 26 December
December 24 and 31 the castle is open as usual

During Easter the visiting hours are:
Good Friday: 12.00-17.00
Saturday: 8.30 – 15.30
Easter Sunday: Closed

Free Admission:

6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
18 April (International Monuments Day)
18 May (International Museums Day)
28 October (National Holiday),
The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days) and
every first Sunday of each month from November 1st until March 31st