The Castle of Livadia rises above the Krya gorge on the hill that was once the site of the ancient acropolis of Lebadeia. Today, its medieval walls and towers look over the town, offering panoramic views and a walk through layers of history that span from antiquity to the Ottoman period.
History of the Castle
The hill above Krya has been fortified since antiquity. The current castle was built primarily during the Catalan and later Ottoman periods, incorporating earlier Byzantine elements. The Catalan Company, who controlled much of central Greece in the early 14th century, made Livadia one of their key strongholds.
The Walk Up
The path to the castle begins at the upper end of the Krya gorge walk. It rises steeply through the rock, offering increasingly dramatic views of the gorge and the town below. The ascent takes around 20–30 minutes depending on pace. The combination of the river walk and the castle climb makes for an ideal half-day in Livadia.
The Oracle Below
The castle hill is the most likely location for the ancient oracle sanctuary of Trophonios, which was believed to occupy a subterranean space within the hill. While the exact location has not been archaeologically confirmed, the connection between the castle hill, the gorge and the ancient sacred landscape gives the entire area a resonant layering of meaning. About the Oracle of Trophonios →
Practical Tips
- Wear sturdy shoes — the path is steep and rocky in sections.
- Bring water, especially in summer.
- The views are best in the late afternoon light.
- The castle can be combined with the Krya walk for a full morning or afternoon outing.