Country Greece Vehicle registration ΑΚ Municipality East Mani Municipal unit Oitylo | Time zone EET (UTC+2) Area code 27330 Administrative region Peloponnese Regional unit Laconia | |
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Weather 14°C, Wind N at 24 km/h, 63% Humidity | ||
Kelefa (Greek: Κελεφά) is a castle and village in Mani, Laconia, Greece. It is part of the municipal unit of Oitylo.
Contents
Map of Kelefa 230 62, Greece
History
The castle of Kelefa is located about half-way between the current village of Kelefa and the Bay of Oitylo.
The castle of Kelefa was built by the Ottomans to contain the Inner Mani in 1670. 15 years later in 1685, the Maniots besieged the castle. They sent messengers to Venice so the Doge could send a fleet to help them capture the castle. The Venetians were currently at war with the Ottomans so they agreed and sent a fleet under Francesco Morosini. As soon the fleets bearing the symbol of St Mark the Ottoman garrison surrendered. A year later the Ottomans returned with a strong force and laid siege to the castle but were driven back. Along with the rest of the Peloponnese, the castle remained in Venetian hands for about 30 years, but in 1715 the Ottomans recaptured the Peloponnese. Around 1780 the Ottomans abandoned the castle, which became derelict.
Now Kelefa is a small village.