The mighty Byzantine fortress of the North
Gynaikokastro, which was called "Avret-Hisar" in the Ottoman era, dominates a naturally fortified hill in the heart of the Kilkis plain, between the settlements of Palaio and Neo Gynaikokastro. It was built by the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos (1328-1341) and constituted a strong bastion, as its strategic position allowed it to control the passes throughout the Central Macedonian region.
The fortress, also known as the "Castle of the Fair Maiden", is rumoured to have taken its name either from its strong walls, which made it possible for even women to defend it, or from the legend of the heroic wife of the commander, who fought bravely against the Ottomans.
The outer walls have a perimeter of 614 m and are founded directly on the natural rock. The castle served not only as a military fort, but also as a shelter for civilians and a place for protecting the harvest of the Macedonian plain.
Today, Gynaikokastro is a visitable archaeological site, with a panoramic view of the Kilkis plain. You can explore the ruins of the strong citadel wall with its semi-circular and rectangular towers, as well as see the architectural remains of buildings in the inner enclosure. The most impressive monument within the fortress is the giant Cistern (rainwater reservoir) which is preserved in very good condition.
The fortress, also known as the "Castle of the Fair Maiden", is rumoured to have taken its name either from its strong walls, which made it possible for even women to defend it, or from the legend of the heroic wife of the commander, who fought bravely against the Ottomans.
The outer walls have a perimeter of 614 m and are founded directly on the natural rock. The castle served not only as a military fort, but also as a shelter for civilians and a place for protecting the harvest of the Macedonian plain.
Today, Gynaikokastro is a visitable archaeological site, with a panoramic view of the Kilkis plain. You can explore the ruins of the strong citadel wall with its semi-circular and rectangular towers, as well as see the architectural remains of buildings in the inner enclosure. The most impressive monument within the fortress is the giant Cistern (rainwater reservoir) which is preserved in very good condition.
