At the beginning of the 14th century (1309), Nisyros was occupied by the Knights of St John, who built the castle above the current capital, as well as four other forts. The island remained in the possession of the Order of the Knights of St. Ioannou until 1522. Then the island was submitted to the Ottomans, who occupied it until 1912.
Just above Mandraki, at a height of 150 m and in the immediate vicinity of the Spilianis monastery, is the imposing castle of the Knights of St. John, a remnant of their passage from the island. Near the castle, a fortified enclosure of the classical times with a fort inside is preserved.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou