Six kms. North of the present village of Loutra Kyllene the Franks sitted their fortress of Chlemoutsi, on a hill which had also been a prehistoric settlement.

The castle, built by Geoffrey I Villehardouin in 1220 was called Chateau Tournois by the Franks. Later the Venetians who captured it in 1687 changed its name to Castel Tornese.

The castle occupied a strategic position, not only commanding the hinterland, the plain of Glarentza, but also commanding the sea approaches to the islands opposite (Cephallonia, Ithaka, Zakynthos and Leukada) and the shores of Aitolia and Acarnania. It was the most improsing and important castle in the Principality of Achaia and today is one of the best preserved.

The castle commands the hill 45km North from the port. About 45 minutes driving from the port and about 50 minutes driving from Olympia. If you'll visit the Museum which will be open until 2010 you need about 1 hour and 15 minutes otherwise 45 minutes are enough time to explore it. The castle itself and the incredible view to Ionion sea is a good reason to be there.