The castle of Kalamos is located in the area of Episkopi which is also the highest peak of the island. From the once evocative stone castle, only some walls are now preserved, however this monument has entered into a restoration program to regain its former glory. The castle of Kalamos or otherwise Kastromonastiros has a great and special importance both for the place of Kalamos and for the whole of Greek history. Built during the Byzantine period, this castle, like other castles, was built for better supervision of the area and also for protection from pirates.
During the Greek Revolution of 1821, many groups of Greeks from mainland Greece fled to the island and the castle to be under the English protection that occupied the island.
The contribution of the island during the siege of Messolonghi is special. Due to its proximity, Messolonghi was easily supplied from the island, while many heroes of '21 had settled their families in the castle. In fact, according to historical tradition, it is said that the mother of Karaiskakis is buried inside the castle.
When the exodus of Messolonghi took place, Kastromonasteros became the place of escape for many women and heroes of Messolonghi. It is said that in total the refugees in the castle exceeded 60,000 Greeks.
