The castle is built on a low hill, at the
Southwest slopes of mount Parnon, near the village of Geraki. It
was founded in 1209 by the Frankish baron Guy de Nivelet and
remained under Frankish occupation until 1259. After the Franks
were defeated in the battle of Pelagonia in 1259, the castle was
given over to the Byzantines in 1262 and supported the Despotate
of Mystras (1262-1460).
The church of St.
George and remains of urban buildings
are preserved inside the castle, while ruins of buildings and
churches have survived outside the fortified area. At the end of
the 17th century the castle was captured by the Venetians, in
1715 was occupied by the Turks, and was finally abandoned at the
end of the 18th century.
For many years the 5th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities has been
conducting restoration work on the monuments of Geraki. Work has
been almost completed for the churches and is currently
progressing on the fortification walls and the secular buildings.
The wall paintings of the churches have also been restored.
1204-1262 Under
the rule of Franks
1262-1460 Under
the rule of Byzantines
1460-1463 Under
the rule of Turks
1463-1468 Under
the rule of Venetians
1468-1685 Under
the rule of Turks
1685-1715 Under
the rule of Greeks
1715-1821 Under
the rule of Turks
1821- Under the
rule of Greeks
Church of St. George
Three-aisled basilica with a narthex, decorated with wall
paintings dated to the 14th century
Church of St. Paraskevi
Cross-vaulted church, decorated with wall paintings of the 15th
century.
Church of Our Lady Zoodochos Pighi (the Life-giving Source)
Aisleless church with wall
paintings dated to the 15th century.
Church of Taxiarches (the Archangels)
Cross-vaulted, with wall
paintings dated to the 15th century.
Church of the Epiphany
Cross-vaulted, with wall
paintings dating from the 13th century
Church of Prophet Elijah
Aisleless, with wall paintings dating from the 15th century
