2. MAIN GATE
The ancient settlement of Gitana was protected by strong fortifications spanning a perimeter of 2,500m. The river Kalamas provided natural protection for the western and southern flanks of the city while the man-made fortifications to the north were bolstered with orthogonal towers.
The walls of Gitana are constructed for the most part, with greater or lesser attention to detail, in accordance with the polygonal masonry system. The abundant local grey limestone was used in their construction, while white limestone was also used in certain sections. The polygonal walls are mostly preserved in good condition with the exception of the north-eastern section, where only fragments survive.
Of the towers, most striking is the semi-circular tower at the north-eastern edge of the fortifications. It is an impressively large and carefully constructed structure, with unique radial interior walling that has not been discovered in other similar towers. It provides an excellent observation post over most of Gitana and the Kalamas river valley, with views extending down to the shoreline settlements on the Kerkyrean “Peraia” at Mastilitsa and Lygia.
Access to the settlement was provided by the three main gates as well as three postern gates. The central main gate was located roughly in the middle of the north-western flank of the fortifications.
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