Chlemoutsi Castle (also known as Clermont or Castel Tornese) is a medieval fortress located near Kyllini in the Elis regional unit of the Peloponnese, approximately 6 kilometres south of Kyllini and 45 kilometres from Katakolo Port. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor information.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Daily: 08:30–15:30 | Last admission 20 minutes before closing |
| Ticket prices | Full: €5 | Reduced: €3 | Multiple free admission days throughout the year |
| Address | T.K. 27050, Kastro village, Kyllini, Elis Prefecture |
| Nearest transport | Kastro village (adjacent to castle) | Kyllini (6 km) | Katakolo Port (45 km) |
| Typical visit duration | 1 to 2 hours |
Chlemoutsi Castle opening hours
Chlemoutsi Castle is open daily from 08:30 to 15:30. Last admission is 20 minutes before closing. On Good Friday the castle opens from 12:00 to 17:00, and on Holy Saturday from 08:00 to 15:00. The castle is closed on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday, 25 December, and 26 December.
Chlemoutsi Castle ticket prices
Full admission costs €5. Reduced admission costs €3. A special ticket package covering both permanent and temporary exhibitions costs €5 (full) and €3 (reduced). Reduced rates apply to seniors over 65 from EU member states, students from non-EU countries with valid identification, and other eligible categories. Children and young people under 25 from EU member states enter free.
Free admission days include 6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri), 18 April (International Monuments Day), 18 May (International Museums Day), the last weekend of September (European Heritage Days), every first and third Sunday from 1 November to 31 March, and 28 October (Greek national holiday).
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
How to get to Chlemoutsi Castle
Chlemoutsi Castle is located on a hill overlooking the village of Kastro, approximately 6 kilometres south of Kyllini. Visitors driving from Athens should follow the E65 motorway to Patras, then continue on the E55 towards Pyrgos. From Pyrgos, follow signs to Kyllini, then to Kastro village. The journey from Athens takes approximately 4 hours.
From Katakolo Port, the castle is approximately 45 kilometres north. Taxis and organised tours operate from Katakolo, particularly when cruise ships dock. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Bus services operate between Pyrgos and Kyllini, though services are infrequent. Visitors using public transport should check schedules in advance via KTEL Elis.
Parking at Chlemoutsi Castle
Free parking is available adjacent to the castle. A car park is located next to the ticket office with space for cars and tour buses. The car park provides level access to the ticket office and castle entrance. Drop-off points are available close to the entrance for visitors with mobility requirements.
How long to spend at Chlemoutsi Castle
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours at Chlemoutsi Castle. The walk from the ticket office to the main entrance takes approximately 2 minutes. Viewing the permanent museum exhibition housed in the vaulted halls of the inner enclosure typically requires 30 to 45 minutes. Exploring the outer enclosure, walking the ramparts, and accessing the roof for views takes an additional 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors with particular interest in medieval architecture or photography may wish to allow longer.
Accessibility at Chlemoutsi Castle
There are no facilities for people with special needs inside the castle. The castle is built on a hilltop with uneven stone surfaces, stairs, and narrow passages. A small information kiosk next to the ticket office is accessible to people with special needs. Wheelchairs cannot access the castle interior, courtyards, or ramparts.
The castle entrance requires climbing stone steps. Interior areas feature stone staircases connecting the ground floor to upper levels and the roof. Surfaces throughout are cobblestones, flagstones, and compacted earth. Assistance dogs are welcome across the site. Pets are not permitted.
What to see at Chlemoutsi Castle
Chlemoutsi Castle was built between 1220 and 1223 by Geoffrey I of Villehardouin, Prince of Achaea, as the main stronghold of the Frankish Principality of Achaea. The castle is located 226 metres above sea level on a plateau commanding views of the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and the plains of Elis.
The castle comprises two fortification enclosures. The inner enclosure forms an irregular hexagon built around a central courtyard. Two-storey vaulted halls extend along the entire length of the inner walls. These halls once housed the princely residence, garrison quarters, and administrative offices. The vaulted ceilings, Gothic arches, and large fireplaces demonstrate Frankish architectural techniques of the 13th century. The upper storey contained the throne hall where the prince received guests and conducted state business. Private apartments for the royal family, a chapel, and kitchens occupied adjoining wings.
The outer enclosure extends to the north and west, protected by a polygonal wall with towers at intervals. Remains of cisterns, storage buildings, and a Turkish mosque built during the Ottoman period are visible in the outer yard. Stone staircases provide access to the ramparts and walkways along the top of the walls.
The permanent museum exhibition, titled “The Era of the Knights—Crusaders in the Morea”, is housed in the vaulted halls of the inner enclosure. The exhibition presents over 500 objects relating to the Frankish Principality of Achaea during the 13th to 15th centuries. Displays include architectural fragments, sculptures, pottery, coins, murals, clothing accessories, and toiletries excavated from medieval sites in Elis. Themes covered include castle architecture during Frankish rule, the organisation of settlements including the port of Glarentza, political and social structures, economic activities, everyday life, and the boundaries between public and private spheres in medieval society.
Views from the castle roof extend across the Ionian Sea to Zakynthos and Kefalonia, north across the Gulf of Patras, and east across the plains of Elis towards the Erymanthos mountain range. The strategic position explains the castle’s role in protecting the unfortified capital of Andravida (13 kilometres east) and the port of Glarentza (6 kilometres northwest).
The castle preserves its 13th-century Frankish character with minimal later modifications. Ottoman rulers made only minor additions to install artillery platforms. The architectural features demonstrate western European influence, including depressed and slightly pointed arches, ovoid vaults covering the halls, and the overall design suited to a princely residence rather than purely defensive purposes.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Footwear | Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip. Stone surfaces, stairs, and uneven ground make inappropriate footwear hazardous. |
| Sun protection | This European castle is exposed with limited shade. Bring sun protection, hats, and water, particularly in summer when temperatures can exceed 35°C. |
| Photography | Personal photography is permitted throughout the castle. The roof provides panoramic views ideal for photography. Morning and late afternoon light is most favourable. |
| Guided tours | Guided tours may be available by prior arrangement. Contact the castle administration by telephone on +30 2623 095033 or by email to enquire about tour availability. |
| Cruise ship passengers | Visitors arriving from Katakolo Port on cruise ship excursions should confirm tour timings allow adequate time to explore the castle and museum properly. |
Frequently asked questions about Chlemoutsi Castle
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Chlemoutsi Castle suitable for children? | Yes, though supervision is required due to stairs, uneven surfaces, and unguarded drops from ramparts and the roof. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Chlemoutsi Castle? | No. Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the ticket office. |
| Is Chlemoutsi Castle open on Sundays? | Yes. The castle is open every Sunday from 08:30 to 15:30. |
| Can you take photographs at Chlemoutsi Castle? | Yes. Personal photography is permitted throughout the castle and museum. |
| How long does it take to visit Chlemoutsi Castle? | Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the castle, museum, and viewing areas. |
Things to do near Chlemoutsi Castle
Ancient Olympia is located approximately 32 kilometres southeast of Kyllini. The archaeological site includes the Temple of Zeus, the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were held, the gymnasium, and numerous other structures. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia displays discoveries from the site including sculptures, bronzes, and votive offerings.
Katakolo Port is located approximately 45 kilometres south of Chlemoutsi Castle. The small fishing village serves as the main cruise ship port for visitors to Ancient Olympia. The waterfront features restaurants, cafes, and shops. The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology displays reconstructed inventions from ancient Greece. Katakolo is the departure point for the railway to Pyrgos and Ancient Olympia.
Kyllini Thermal Springs are located in Kyllini village, approximately 6 kilometres north of the castle. The thermal spa has operated since antiquity and offers treatments for arthritis, asthma, and skin conditions. The thermal baths are housed in modern facilities open year-round. Treatment prices vary depending on services selected.
Glarentza (also known as Clarence) is located approximately 6 kilometres northwest of Chlemoutsi Castle near the modern settlement of Kyllini. Remains of the medieval port town, which served as the main harbour of the Principality of Achaea, are visible including sections of fortification walls and the harbour area. The site is free to access though largely unexcavated and overgrown.
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- Why Rhodes is a great cruise destination to explore independently.
- Practical guide to visiting the Ancient Theatre of Aptera.
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