Tower of Oinoe Marathon

Near the Pythium of the god Apollo in Oinoe, there is an imposing Frankish tower. The tower was built around 1250, when Guy I de La Roche (or Delaros) was the ruler of Attica.

Guy de La Roche was the son of Otto de la Roche, a Burgundian nobleman (from La Roche-sur-l’Ognon) who was one of the knights who took part in the Fourth Crusade (which ended up with the fall of Constantinople in 1204).

Othon was the progenitor of the Delaros family, who ruled the Duchy of Athens until 1308. The terms “Duke” and “Duchy” seem to have been a quirk of Otto Delaros, whose title was usually Lord of Athens (Sire d’Athenes and, to the Greeks, Megas Kyris or Megakyris). But Otto insisted on calling himself “Duke” and this title was finally formalized in 1260, and thus the Frankish fief of Attica went down in history as the Duchy of Athens. The purpose of the tower was probably to protect and supervise the estates of the area. It may have belonged to the Delaros family or one of their vassals.

The tower is in relatively good condition. Recently it has been restored, respecting the medieval shape of the tower. The entrance to the tower was through an opening on the first floor, common in medieval towers. In more recent times, a new entrance was created at ground level, which can be seen in older photographs. This later entrance has been closed following recent renovations. It is now difficult and dangerous to enter.