After the Asia Minor disaster of 1922, about 24,000 refugees settle permanently on the island. The Mytilene Castle is hit hard, as much of its building material is used extensively for the construction of the first refugee houses.
Admiral Kountouriotis, in charge of the Greek fleet, occupies the city of Mytilene. One month later, following a bloody battle, the whole of Lesvos is liberated. Mytilene Castle becomes purely residential.