Known also as the Kalogria Castle, the prehistoric acropolis of the Dymaion Wall is situated close to the village of Araxos and approx. 38km southwest of the Achaean capital, Patras. Built on the top of a rocky height of Mavra Vouna (Black Mountains), within the renowned wetland of the Kotychi - Strofylia lagoon, the dominating fortified Mycenaean acropolis is Western Greece’s only such reference point, with a documented continued history of habitation of over 5,500 years.The fortification is estimated to have been built probably around 1300 BC, and protected the three sides of the hill, as its southwest side, being steep and surrounded by a lake, had a natural fortification.
The cyclopean walls of the castle are estimated to have originally been about 290m long, at least 8.5m high and 5m thick, while, according to mythology, they were built by Hercules who used them as his rampart when he was fighting Augeas.Owing to its strategic location, the acropolis was inhabited continuously until the Venetian rule. Its name is believed to date back to the Hellenistic era, when the fort was the defensive stronghold of the neighboring Dymi, fighting the raids of the Ilians and Aitolians. Nowadays, it is visitable and offers a captivating view.
