36 kilometres from the town, this is the centre of the region, and its harbour offers the greatest choice for dining and entertainment. Ancient Kassiopi was founded in 281 BC by residents of the Epirot town of the same name, who were brought here by Pyrros when he captured the island. The name (Kassion Oro) derives from the Temple of Kassios Dias, which was built here in a prominent position. Nero is said to have sung at its altar when he visited the region. The temple no longer exists but probably occupied the site of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Kassiopitras. The oldest fortress on the island also stands here, built by the Romans and extended by the Angevins, an indication of the strategic importance of the site. The fortress was demolished by the Venetians, and the ruins which stand today belong to the castle they built later on the site.