Riniasa Castle (Greek: Κάστρο Ῥινιάσας), originally known as Thomokastron (Greek: Θωμόκαστρον, lit. 'Castle of Thomas'), is a medieval Byzantine fortress on the coast of Epirus, close to the modern village of Riza near Preveza. The castle is today in a ruinous condition.
| Riniasa Castle | |
|---|---|
Κάστρο Ῥινιάσας | |
| Riza, Western Greece | |
  Riniasa Castle | |
| Coordinates | 39.0803°N 20.3533°E |
| Type | hilltop citadel |
| Height | 185 m |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Greek Ministry of Culture |
| Controlled by |
|
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | ruin |
| Site history | |
| Built | late 13th century/early 14th century |
| Built by | Byzantine Empire |
| Materials | hewn stone (ashlar) |
History
The castle was built (or rebuilt) by Thomas I the Despot of Epirus, at the beginning of the 14th century. Hence, was named Thomokastron ("Thomas' castle") or the "castle of the despotes." It was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1463 and liberated from the Turks and the rest of Greek Epirus during the 20th century.[1][2][3] It is the site of the 1803 self-immolation of Despo Botsi and her family, after which it is also known as Despo's Castle (Κάστρο της Δέσπως).
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