The Castle of Chora or Great Castle or Paleochora is one of the most famous attractions in Kalymnos. It is situated in the place where ancient Pothia once resided and it is considered as the medieval capital of Kalymnos. The castle takes its final form in 1495 and it is inhabited continuously until 1812 .
Gradually, from the mid-18th century, the risks that primarily led the people into the castle (eg pirates) start to disappear, and as a consequence the population build new houses outside the castle, in Chora.
Today, the Byzantine castle retains its charm, although deserted. In order to access it you need to climb the 230 steps starting from Pothia and lead to its gate, which once had a movable wooden bridge.
Inside the castle, apart from several houses, also two large water tanks, a stone mill pond, part of the stone roller crushing of olives and 10 well-preserved churches stand out. Outside the castle, in the middle of the eastern wall, you can see a complex of cannon towers which was used as a means of defense.