55XQ+26 Gaios, Paxi, Greece
The Venetian castle of Paxos, often known as the Castle of Saint Nicholas, was built on the top of
the homonymous islet of Agios Nikolaos (or Ai-Nikolas) in Paxi. The lush green islet of Agios
Nikolaos is the gem of Gaios port, but during the Venetian rule it served as a defensive base
against the pirates and the Ottomans. For this reason, in 1423, Adam II St. Hipolito, the Venetian
Baron of the Island, ordered the construction of the fortress which was completed in 1510.
According to a research by an Italian architect Roberto Veneris, the castle was built largely based
on the designs of Leonardo Da Vinci, which are preserved in Venice libraries. Today, most of the
walls remain intact, like the gunpowder magazine, the tank, the observatory, the cannons, several
utility rooms, and the deep well that still has water.
The castle of Saint Nicholas was the first castle in Paxos, and during the same period was also built
the castle Dialetos in Lakka, which is now completely ruined. This amazing setting offers a
breathtaking view and peaceful atmosphere, attracting large numbers of visitors from all over the
world. The islet also houses a small chapel dedicated to Saint John and an old windmill. Small
boats depart from the port of Gaios for the small islet.