The Castle of Chios is an inhabited medieval fortified settlement on the northern side of Chios town’s harbor. Its lanes combine historic fortifications with a residential neighborhood, and the main entrance is Porta Maggiore.
- Location: the northern side of Chios town’s harbor.
- Suggested starting point: Porta Maggiore.
- Palati Ioustiniani ticket: €5.
- Palati Ioustiniani seasonal hours: 08:30–15:30 from April through October; closed from November through March.
Finding the Castle of Chios
The Castle of Chios stands beside the harbor, with Porta Maggiore as its main entrance. The North Aegean tourism board dates the castle to 1320, built on the site of earlier Byzantine fortifications.
From Castro Rooms near the castle, the gate is about a 3-minute walk. The castle is among those with easy access.
For a first walk, enter through Porta Maggiore and follow the trail map’s points of interest. The tourism board describes a suggested route with a map, information and trivia to help you follow the historic site.
What the castle area includes
The castle area includes fortification walls, historic buildings and lived-in lanes. It is a residential quarter as well as a historic site, so keep the neighborhood’s everyday life in mind as you walk.
Near Porta Maggiore and the walls, Palati Ioustiniani is believed to have been built by Genoese rulers at the beginning of the 16th century. It may have served as the headquarters of the Genoese Podesta. The building’s address is Chios Castle, Chios 82100.
A short walk through the historic quarter
A simple route through the historic quarter begins at Porta Maggiore and follows the marked points of interest. Take the time to look along the walls and through the lanes, while leaving space for residents moving around the neighborhood.
The castle can also anchor a wider medieval-heritage day: the North Aegean tourism board suggests starting with a walk here, then continuing by car to Nea Moni, Anavatos and Avgonyma. For a town-centre route that links historic stops, use this one-day walking itinerary for Chios Town.
Access, visiting conditions and opening details
The castle is an inhabited settlement, while Palati Ioustiniani has its own seasonal opening schedule and admission charge. The Ministry of Culture says the palace is closed from 1 November through 31 March. Admission is €5.
Hours differ on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. The Ministry of Culture advises confirming details with the museum; check the Ministry of Culture’s official site before you go.
Combining the castle with nearby museums
Vounaki Square is home to the Chios Byzantine Museum, whose permanent exhibition is housed in Mecidiye Cami, an Ottoman mosque built in the mid-19th century. The museum’s hours are 08:30–15:30 daily except Tuesdays, with admission of €5 regular and €3 reduced.
If you are planning a museum stop alongside the castle, the guide to visiting the Byzantine Museum of Chios covers that nearby attraction.
FAQs
Is the Castle of Chios still inhabited?
Yes. It is a residential settlement as well as a medieval fortified site, so you will encounter homes alongside historic features.
Where should you start a walk through the castle?
Begin at Porta Maggiore, the main entrance, and follow the suggested trail map’s points of interest.
Does the castle area have a ticket?
The €5 admission is for Palati Ioustiniani. The castle settlement and walking route are described separately.