Aikaterinh Balla Source: C.E.T.I. © Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace

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Near the forest of Nymphea, on the southern slopes of eastern Rodopi and about 8 km N-NE of Komotini, the remains of the “castle of Nymphea” were uncovered. The historic fortress of Nymphea that possibly dates to the late Byzantine period (1057–1453) served for the control of the coastal valley of the southern Thrace and for the protection against the incursions from the north. Part of the fortification walls are 5 m tall, and the castle measures 53 feet from N to S and 41 feet from W to E. The outline of the castle is around 200 feet and the walls are 1.8 m thick. A battlement lies adjacent to its western part. The masonry is poorly elaborated; non-curved stones are roughly placed together, while scarce plinths, rafter apertures and white mortar were used in the construction.

Architectural members, pottery and Byzantine coins were uncovered in areas nearby Nymphea.