In the quiet countryside of central Evia, just outside the village of Mytikas, stand two unexpected sentinels of stone—the Twin Towers of Mytikas. Rising above the fertile Lelantine Plain, these 15th-century Venetian watchtowers are not only remarkable for their preservation and architectural detail, but also for their rare proximity to each other—a mere 200 meters apart. Their presence tells a story of defense, water control, and perhaps even family politics in late medieval Evia.
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Contents
How to Get to Mytikas Towers
The towers are located on a hilltop in the middle of the Lelantine Plain, just above the Lelas River, about 10 km from Chalkida. While named after the village of Mytilkas, they are actually closer to Fylla village and its own medieval castle. The area is accessible by car via the Chalkida–Vasiliko road. Parking is available near the churches between the towers, and the site is easily walkable.
While not signposted as a major attraction, the towers are visible from the main road and easy to locate if you keep an eye out for the two stone structures rising above the fields. Here is their exact location on Google Maps.
If you’re planning a road trip on Evia and haven’t got a car already, you can compare some of the best rental deals here.
A Fortress Duo in the Heart of Central Evia
Set on a modest twin-peaked hill between Mytikas and Fylla, the towers command a wide view over the surrounding plain. At their base flows the Lelas River, once a vital water source for nearby Chalkida and the agricultural lands of the Lelantine valley.
The towers likely formed part of a broader defensive network, alongside the Castle of Fylla and other fortifications such as the tower of Vasiliko and Lefkandi. Their purpose was both strategic and practical—to monitor river flow, safeguard irrigation systems, and alert locals to enemy threats, from pirate raids to inland attacks.
Why Two Towers?
The most curious thing about the Mytikas towers is that there are two of them, built so close together. Between them lie two small churches, Agia Paraskevi and Agios Athanasios, making the site feel more like a miniature fortified estate than a standard military outpost.
There’s no confirmed explanation for their pairing, but scholars suggest that the towers may have belonged to different branches of the same landowning family—perhaps a Venetian noble family dividing inheritance between heirs. Their symmetrical presence could represent both shared power and territorial boundaries within the same lineage.
Architecture and Design
Though similar in height—both standing 18 meters tall—the towers differ slightly in size and structure:
Eastern Tower
- Base dimensions: 6.10 x 6.10 meters
- Entrance height: 6 meters above ground
- Built with unrefined stone and lime mortar, the tower features four small round openings near the top—originally mistaken for clock faces, but more likely medieval ventilation or lookout windows (oeil-de-boeuf style).
- A now-lost wooden staircase or ladder would have led to the elevated entrance—a defensive feature common in medieval tower construction.
Western Tower
- Base dimensions: 7.5 x 7.5 meters
- The entrance is arched and located on the western face, accompanied by narrow slit windows and “M”-shaped battlements giving it a distinctly martial character.
- Built with similar masonry, it also includes defensive loopholes for light weaponry at ground level.
Both towers showcase precisely placed cornerstones, imported sandstone, and segments reinforced with brickwork—hallmarks of late medieval craftsmanship in Venetian-occupied Greece.
History and Function
Though often referred to as “Venetian,” the towers may have earlier Byzantine roots, or at least follow 11th-century Western European defensive models, later adapted by the Venetians during their control of Evia.
Beyond their defensive function, the towers played a role in hydraulic management. Historical references suggest that around 1429, one of them housed a “Potamarchis”, a river official responsible for supervising the Lelas River, its flow, and the maintenance of irrigation systems vital for the Chalkida region. The towers would have also served as refuge points for local villagers during raids or unrest, with their elevation providing an ideal vantage point over the plain and river valley.
A Site Worth the Detour
Today, the Twin Towers of Mytikas remain surprisingly well preserved. Their compact but commanding presence draws visitors with an interest in medieval architecture, Venetian history, or just off-the-beaten-path monuments.
The walk between the towers is short and pleasant, especially in spring when the plain is green and quiet. There are no crowds, no ticket booths—just history standing in the open, watching silently over the landscape it once protected.
If you’re already exploring the area—perhaps visiting the Castle of Fylla nearby—this makes an excellent and atmospheric detour.
Accommodation near Mytikas Towers
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Places to Visit Nearby
- Castle of Fylla – A ruined medieval fortress on a hill above Fylla village, once controlling movement across the Lelantine Plain.
- Lefkandi – A major archaeological site of the Greek Dark Ages, paired with a long beach and a low-key seaside settlement.
- Vasiliko – A small town near Chalkida that works well as a practical base, with shops, cafés, and easy access to nearby sites.
- Lampsakos – A quiet coastal suburb of Chalkida, pleasant for a short waterfront walk or a coffee by the Evripos Strait.
- Chalkida – Evia’s capital, known for the Evripos Bridge, lively waterfront, museums, and the island’s main transport hub.
Video
Photos
View (and feel free to use) all my photographs from Mytikas Towers in higher resolution.
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