The Castle of Assos was built during the period 1593-1595 on the small peninsula formed by the coast of northwestern Kefalonia. The purpose of its construction was to protect northwestern Kefalonia and the entire island, in general, from attacks by pirates and Turks. The Venetians believed a lot in the potential of this castle and aimed to create a naval station for the Venetian ships that were in the East.
In fact, the castle proved to be inconvenient because its communication with the rest of the island and its supplies were done with great difficulty. Because it had no water, the Venetians dug large and deep cisterns, which were filled with rainwater. The gulf formed in the north of the peninsula eventually proved to be small and shallow, therefore useless for the Venetian galleys. Later, when the Venetians captured Lefkada from the Turks in 1684, its defensive importance was now negligible.

During the times of French and English occupation, there was a garrison in the fort. In 1927, rural prisons were established inside the fort, which operated until 1953. Until 1968, some residents still remained in the fort, which is now uninhabited. The church of Prophet Ilias, the prison building, as well as the ruins of the village are preserved within the walls.
One of the most enjoyable hiking expeditions is the one that starts from the old village of Drapanitika and through the beautiful village of Assos, continues to the peninsula with the Venetian Castle. An area adorned with pine and cypress trees, beautiful views, steep cliffs and deep blue sea. This is an easy walk in a beautiful area full of natural beauties and signs of the past.