The Fortress of Paliochora, Katalagari

On the hill southeast of Katalagari lies the Kastelos of Katalagari, also known as the fortress of Paliochora, Castello del Corner, or Kastelo ton Kornaron. It stands on the site of the ancient city of Skillountia, in a lush area thick with olive trees and vineyards.

The hilltop of the Paliochora fortress occupies a strategic location, offering control over the area from Archanes to Kastelli Pediadas. It’s believed to be one of the Byzantine-era fortifications that were directly linked to the supervision of agricultural land in the region—similar to the Kastelos of Melesses.

According to tradition, it was built by Nikephoros Phokas after Crete was liberated from the Arabs in 961 AD, although this has not been confirmed by archaeologists.

What we do know for certain is that during Venetian rule, the fortress was the seat of a feudal estate and belonged to the Corner (Kornaros) family, overseeing their lands and possessions.

Today, not much remains—only part of the outer wall and the foundations of the original buildings have survived.