Glarentza (also known as Clarentia or Clarence) lies at the northwestern edge of the westernmost peninsula of the Peloponnese, at the site known today as Palaiokastro, just west of modern Kyllini. It was founded by Prince William of Villehardouin shortly after the mid-13th century, intended to serve as the principal port of the Principality of Achaea. As the seaport of the capital, Andravida, Glarentza enjoyed a strategic location with direct visual contact to the imposing fortress of Chlemoutsi (Chateau Clermont for the Franks), which functioned both as a princely residence and the region’s main defensive stronghold. Nearby was also the Monastery of Vlacherna, with a 13th-century katholikon (main church). Very quickly, Glarentza emerged as the most important economic and urban center of the Crusader state, enjoying international prestige. It was home to a hospital, banks, and buildings that catered to maritime trade, and notably, it had a mint that produced the denier tournois until 1353. But its prosperity began to decline in the early 15th century as the Principality fell into disarray. Glarentza lost its status and was left vulnerable. In 1407, it was captured and plundered by the forces of Leonardo Tocco. The wealth of the city at the time is vividly described in the "Chronicle of the Morea." In 1414, it was returned to Prince Centurione II Zaccaria, but only a few years later, in 1417–18, it was seized by the Italian adventurer Oliverio Franco. By 1421–22, it had been sold to Carlo Tocco, Count of Cephalonia and Despot of Epirus. In 1427, the city came under siege by John VIII Palaiologos, and the following year, it was ceded by the Tocco family to Constantine Palaiologos as part of his bride’s dowry. George Sphrantzes records that Byzantine troops entered the Frankish capital. In 1430, it was occupied by the Catalans, who subsequently sold it back to Constantine. This time, he ordered the city walls demolished to prevent further occupation. By 1432, Glarentza had become the seat of a second Despotate. However, in 1446, the wider region suffered devastation at the hands of Sultan Murad II. Not long after, it fell to the Ottomans along with the rest of the Despotate, and from that point, Glarentza slipped into obscurity, leaving behind only its legend. By the 19th century, travelers described the city as deserted and in ruins. The remains they documented—and which can be seen in early photographs—were later destroyed by German forces during World War II. The city was built on slightly elevated, gently sloping ground, with the sea on its north and west sides. Defensive walls and a moat protected the other sides. The fortified settlement (bourg) had an irregular shape and covered approximately 450 by 350 meters. To the north, at a site called "Arsanas," now a marshy area, was a carved-out inner harbor, once fortified with towers that extended from the city walls. A dividing wall separated the harbor district—essentially the city’s commercial hub—from the residential quarter. At the southwestern edge, an inner enclosure defined a small citadel. Limited excavations outside the defensive moat have uncovered a large number of ceramic finds and other artifacts, suggesting the presence of a settlement area beyond the walls (extra muros). The outer walls themselves are now mostly destroyed. In the past, they were reinforced at intervals with rectangular towers, especially at key points like gates and corners. The city had three gate towers. On the northeastern side, a large Gothic church has been uncovered. At the most fortified part of the city, on the steep western cliffs, stood a small inner castle. Within the bourg, three more buildings have been identified. Historical sources also mention a mint, a hospital, a church of Saint Mark, residences, and administrative buildings, although these have not yet been definitively located.

http://odysseus.culture.gr/ Συντάκτης Α. Ράλλη, αρχαιολόγος
https://ilia-olympia.org/
https://www.andravida-killini.gr/