Kastro is located Northeast of Limenaria toward the center of the
island. The medieval village sits at an altitude of 500 meters, and
like many of the other mountain villages, it cannot be seen from
the coast. This helped to protect the village and it’s
residents from the plundering of pirates through the ages.
It’s name derived from the ruins of a castle that once
stood there. Jacob Gatelluzzi, a Genoan to whom Byzantine Emperor
Emanuel II Palaiologus gave both Thassos and the island of Lesvos
to in 1414, built the castle on the mountaintop at which the
village is located. The Gattilussi family ruled Thassos for 40
years. Evidence of this can be found on three plaques on a wall of
The Church of Agios Athanasios. The village was totally deserted
for many years as the residents left the village to find work in
the coastal villages. Many went to the lowlands where they farmed
their land and tended their olive groves. Others went to mine ores
for the Speidel Company, which was located in Limenaria. Some even
went to work in other countries as they heard that there was a high
demand for laborers with good pay.
In the last few years, some of the old houses have been restored
and are used as summer or weekend homes. Other than that, it is
mostly a sleeping village throughout the year, especially in the
Winter. The silence breaks around the 18th of January for Saint
Athanasios Day. Normally lasting for a week, people travel to
Kastro for this big celebration and have a festiv time with food,
drinks, music and fun.
You can get to Kastro from Limenaria by car which will take
about 35 minutes. If you are more adventurous, try walking from
Theologos, Maries or Limenaria, a pleasant nature walk averaging
between two to three hours. If you choose to drive, it is best to
go in a jeep or any high-riding vehicle that is not too close to
the ground as the road is little more than a rocky trail and can
damage your vehicle if not careful.
Kosta runs the only tavern in the village, near where the cache
is hidden.
Small note on cache maintenance: GregoryGR has
offered to assist between our visits. Thanks!