Those who are looking for a villa in Greece or a vacation rental in Peloponnese, in particular, might be seeking out things to see and do in the area. If you're one of those people and if you're fond of bizarre and unusual things, then you might want to seek out the amazing Castle of Agrilis.
Located on the Western coast of Greece, this tacky and striking colourful gem was built in the 1960s by an American-born doctor of Greek descent, Harry Fournier. After making his money as a surgeon in Chicago, he retired to his family's homeland and later decided that he wanted to leave his mark on the city from which his kin came.
This took the shape of a 26m tall wrought-iron copy of the Eiffel tower at the entrance of the city, a metal Geographical Globe outside the local high school, and a bizarre castle in white, blue and red, that looks like something from a toddler's colouring book, right on the coast.
Inside, the castle continues its striking and elaborate decorative scheme, with coats of arms, halberds, swords and murals. The murals mimic medieval tapestries and depict medieval stories, likes those of Tristan and Isolde, Ivanhoe, and King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In the courtyard, there are three gigantic statues: one of the mythological Goddess Athena, another of Poseidon, and a giant sitting horse, which is apparently home to a secret library. From the top of the castle, there is an incredible view over the sea and surrounding countryside, and some copies of medieval war weapons, including a catapult.
Not officially open to the public and uninhabited, it is often possible to visit by knocking on the door and asking the in-house janitor to let you have a look around.
Inside, the castle continues its striking and elaborate decorative scheme, with coats of arms, halberds, swords and murals. The murals mimic medieval tapestries and depict medieval stories, likes those of Tristan and Isolde, Ivanhoe, and King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In the courtyard, there are three gigantic statues: one of the mythological Goddess Athena, another of Poseidon, and a giant sitting horse, which is apparently home to a secret library. From the top of the castle, there is an incredible view over the sea and surrounding countryside, and some copies of medieval war weapons, including a catapult.
Not officially open to the public and uninhabited, it is often possible to visit by knocking on the door and asking the in-house janitor to let you have a look around.