Byzantine Castle of Rentina

The Rentina Castle is located on the top of the hill at the west entrance of the straits of Rentina or as they so-called "Macedonian Tempi". It is a geostrategic place of high importance and for many centuries the control of this area was related to power and wealth.

There is archaeological evidence of the area inhabitants already from the prehistoric times, but the most important period for the castle starts under the Byzantine rule from the 5th century AD. Today the visitor can see some remnants of a typical Byzantine fortification that firstly established in 450 AD and through the centuries went through a series of reinforcing and renovating construction projects.

The excavations at this fortified Byzantine settlement started from 1976 and revealed numerous findings related to the everyday life, the trading, the economy, and the habits of the inhabitants. Among the findings are over 400 items of pottery of exceptional art, at least 2000 Greek coins, end numerous Greek inscriptions.