GREECE PELOPONNESE ELEIA KORYPHI

The ancient fortress known as "Castle of Koukouvitsa" is located between modern Pyrgos and Amaliada on top of a hill in a strategic position where it controls a large part of the region that constituted ancient Eleia. - The road (most part of it merely a dirt track) to the little known site is signposted, but still not easy to follow.

At the beginning of the 4th century BC ancient Elis had been forced to abandon the regions of Pisatis and Triphylia, limiting its influence to Olympia and the organization of the Olympic Games. Around the middle of this century the Eleians again threatened the region, so that one of the cities of Pisatis built this fortification. Still, it did not prevent the Eleians to regain forces, becoming lords of Eleia, and subjugating all cities of Pisatis.

The site was first detected in 1909 by A. Skias, but excavated only in 2001-02. The walls, built of large limestone blocks, have been brought to light for a length of some 86 metres, the preserved height reaches up to 3 metres. The entrance to the fortress was on the East side, where a propylon between two towers can be made out. A third tower was located at the South-West end of the walls.