Riniasa Castle / Thomokastro

Riniasa Castle, historically known as Thomokastron or Despo's Castle, is a medieval Byzantine fortress located on the coast of Epirus in Western Greece. Situated near the modern village of Riza in the Preveza regional unit, this hilltop citadel stands approximately 185 meters above sea level. The structure was originally built or significantly rebuilt by Thomas I Komnenos Doukas, the Despot of Epirus, during the late 13th or early 14th century. Constructed primarily from hewn ashlar stone, the castle served as a strategic military installation that reflected the architectural capabilities of the Byzantine Empire during its later periods.

The site holds profound historical significance due to its turbulent past and tragic events. After serving as a stronghold for the Despotate of Epirus, the fortress was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1463 and remained under their control until the liberation of Greek Epirus in the 20th century. It is particularly remembered as the location of the 1803 self-immolation of Despo Botsi and her family, an act of defiance that earned the site the alternative name Despo's Castle. This event marks a poignant chapter in the region's struggle for freedom and adds a layer of cultural memory to the physical ruins.

Today, Riniasa Castle exists in a ruinous condition but remains under the ownership and protection of the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports. Despite its dilapidated state, the site is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the remnants of its stone walls and reflect on its layered history. As a classified Byzantine fortification, it serves as an important archaeological landmark that connects modern observers to the complex military and social history of northwest Greece from the medieval era through the Ottoman occupation.