The paved paths, some crumbling walls, and the remains of a church still visible on the hill overlooking the steep gorge, are all that remain of the onetime capital of the island. The medieval castle city, named after St. Demetrios, was built by craftsmen from Monemvasia. It was strategically built overlooking the great canyon of Kaki Lagada, not visible to passing ships, while its watchtowers had an overview of maritime traffic in the seas surrounding the island. After years of searching, the pirate Heyreddin Barbarossa finally located it in 1537. Locals tell various tales of his sack of the city, and how little his destructive fury left behind. The inhabitants were slaughtered, or forced into slavery, and the city was abandoned permanently, never to be inhabited again. According to local legend, if you find yourself there after dark you will hear the cries and laments of women echoing down the gorge. Touring the ruins of Paleochora captures the visitor’s imagination, trying to envision the fortress in its former glory. The stunning views of the canyon form a backdrop for your daydream Kakia Lagada.