The Byzantine Castle of Ypati
Ypati was first entrenched during the Hellenistic period. Parts of this fortification have been found in many spots round the Castle and in the modern settlement. The entrenchment was renewed in the Early Christian Era when Justin was the Emperor (527-565A.D.). In 869 Ypati was referred to in a Church Summit for the first time under the name Nea Patra along with Lamia, that was then named Zitouni. In 1393 the town was occupied by the Turks whose in change was Sultan Vayazit. The era of the Ottoman occupation it was named Patratziki (small Patra) and was the base of a special province. Ruins of this almighty castle, which was entrenched by nature as well can be found in our days, The most characteristic part is the ruin of a round tower the origin of which we do not exactly know -it is unclear whether it was built by the Greeks , Franks or Catalans.
In 869 Ypati was referred to in a Church Summit for the first time under the name Near Patra along with Lamia, that was then named Zitouni. In 1204 it was occupied by the Frank crusaders and in 1208 it came to the dominance of the byzantine tyrants of Ipirus. In 1267 it was bequeathed by Ioannis Aggelos Komninos who was an illegitimate child who entrenched the castle from grounds and made Ypati the base of the state of Great Vlahia which stretched up to west Macedonia. The Ypati Castle was attacked in 1275 by Ioannis Palaiologos, a byzantine general who was in charge of 30,000 men. The powerful entrenchment stopped its occupation by onslaught. Ioannis escaped and called for the help of the Frank Duke of Athens, who arrived at Nees Patres in charge of knights and stopped the besieging. The Castle remained in the hands of the Ioannis' descendants until 1318 when it came to the Catalans that formed the Duchy of Athens and Neon Patron. In 1383 it was occupied by the Turks whose in charge was Sultan Vayazit.The era of the Ottoman occupation it was named Patratziki (small Patra) and was the base of a special province. Ruins of this almighty castle, which was entrenched by nature as well can be found in our days, The most characteristic part is the ruin of a round tower which we do not know exactly when it dates back -it is unclear whether it was built by the Greeks , Franks or Catalans.
In the Eastern entrance of Ypati, we take the rural road to Saint Kiriaki which is initially cemented and after a few metres we turn right westwards.