Ancient Fort in Kastraki

Agathonisi is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese. On its northern side lies a fortified settlement dating from the late 4th to the early 3rd century BC, which remained inhabited until the mid-2nd century AD, when it was abandoned following a destructive earthquake. The archaeological site, known as “Kastraki” (“small castle”), occupies a rocky hill where the remains of a rectangular tower and substantial fortification walls are still preserved. Since 2006, systematic archaeological excavations have been conducted, bringing to light, among other findings, an organized apiary. The large number of clay beehives indicates that beekeeping constituted a significant productive activity on the island in antiquity.

An architectural survey and a landscape design study were carried out for the archaeological site, with the aim of improving accessibility, enhancing its functionality, and integrating it into a wider network of organized archaeological sites in the region. The proposal includes interventions such as site delimitation and fencing, the design of entry points and signage, visitor infrastructure, protective sheltering of the acropolis cistern, rainwater management, access from the sea, and the organization of visitor circulation routes.