IN THE BYZANTINE CASTLE

by Lia Mageira (Greece)

I didn't expect to find Greece

After the fall of Constantinople by the Crusaders, in 1204, the Peloponnisos peninsula was given to the French family of Villareals. According to feudalism laws, Peloponnisos was divided into 12 regions. One of them was the baronage of Geraki, on Mountain Parnon, in the region of Laconia. Baron Guy Nevilet constructed the castle on the top of the hill, around of which a town was built. In 1259 the Byzantines captured Prince William Villarreal. They released him in exchange for four castles of the area, one of which was Geraki. I am working on a photo project about the castles of Peloponnisos. I like to imagine everyday life in peacetime, the brave knights and the pale princesses standing next to their window. My first destination of the project, is Geraki. I am arriving in the castle early in the morning. The guard at the entrance informs me that I am the first visitor today. I am starting to climb up the path which passes through the ruins of medieval houses and churches. The hill is steep and I am stopping to admire the view. The sun has already risen in the sky. Closing my eyes, I can imagine the Byzantine lord Michael Katakouzinos. Riding his horse, he is climbing along the narrow path. He is stopping in front of the church of Zoodochos Piyi to pray. Then, he is passing through the stone arcades. On the top of the hill, Jean Devilet is expecting to deliver the castle to him, as agreed. With those thoughts, I am passing the gate of the castle. Here is the church of St. George. The door is unlocked, but the place is dark. From only a small window the sun light is shed to the space. It is hard for me to get used to the darkness. Suddenly, I see a shadow. A man is standing in front of me. "As soon as you get used to the poor light, you will be able to admire the frescoes. We conserve them in a very good condition. Look at how beautiful the fresco of Jesus Christ is” he tells me. I admire the religious figures, the beautiful colors, the shapes, and I think these paintings have been dated back to the 13th century AD. The composition spreads throughout the church. Via the small window the rays of the sun come in, and my eyes are already accustomed. The man is gone. My mind is still in the wonderful Byzantine art, when I begin to descend. Passing through the gate, I take a last look at the great view. My gaze reaches the horizon line. From here, the rulers could control the entire plain. The downhill is easy and I get to the exit quickly. Before I leave the historic space, I am going to the kiosk to ask if there is a relevant book to buy. The guard asks me: “Did you like the castle?" "It was wonderful" I answer. “The frescoes of Saint George chewed me. Thanks to your colleague I spent a lot of time in the church and studied them in detail. " - No, there's no other guard in the castle except me. You make a mistake I am afraid… -Any other visitor perhaps? -Nobody went up as long as you were in the castle. I thanked him and I left thoughtful. Was it a creature of my imagination? It's easy to get caught up in your thoughts and confuse reality with imagination. As I leave, I turn back to see the castle for a last time. And then ... it seemed like I saw Michael Katakouzinos riding his horse to say me goodbye....