Frangokastelo Fortress: Unravelling the Myth of the Drosoulites

Throughout the period of Turkish occupation, 335 warriors lost their lives in a struggle.

According to tradition, the fallen warriors' lifeless bodies were left unburied and were eventually covered by sand, carried by the strong winds from the nearby Orthi Ammos Beach in the vicinity.

As a result, each year in late spring, these warriors seem to awaken and collectively walk for approximately 10 minutes during sunrise. These shadowy figures advance towards the castle and subsequently fade into the sea, becoming discernible only when there's a rise in air humidity during the early morning hours.

Despite the numerous claims of sightings of warrior shadows, there is a rational explanation for these phenomena. They are, in fact, a mirage caused by the refraction of the sun's rays within the morning dew cloud, which has earned them the name ‘Drosoulites’ (Dew people).

Photos by Marina Vernicos