The castle of Methoni was, along with that of Koroni, the "eyes of the Mediterranean". It is said that the fortress, which is bordered on three sides, was wanted by all the powerful of the earth because of its geostrategic position. It is one of the best-preserved castles in Southern Europe - and of course Greece. To understand the importance of the area, it is enough to consider that we come across the first references from Homer's time!
Road Trip to Messinia: A Destination of Stunning Contrasts
Methoni castle: all the powerful of the earth wanted it
In Methoni, Messinia, and Peloponnese, there is one of the most important medieval buildings on Greek soil. This is because Methoni was the intermediate stop on the journey made by Christians to the Holy Land. The area began to be fortified in the early 12th century when the Franks occupied Methoni. The Venetians who followed, according to historians, demolished the fortification and in 1209 gave the form that the castle and port have today.
Anointed on the peninsula of Agios Nikolaos, with an ellipsoid shape and a length of 700 meters, its purpose was to fight the invaders. The towers on the walls were characteristic while the gate on land had additional fortifications for greater protection. The artificial stone bridge connects the castle with the small fortress, which is built on a small islet south of the building.
Inside the castle, there are still ruins of the houses of the Venetian lords, reminiscent of the period of the castle's heyday. The visitor will also meet the paved road that leads to the gate of the sea. There is also the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, which was built later, during the Second Venetian occupation. Finally, two Ottoman baths are preserved.
During the Greek Revolution of 1821, the castle could not be occupied by the Greeks. In 1825 Ibrahim landed there and fortified himself behind its walls. In any case, the castle of Methoni, along with the port, was for hundreds of years an important geostrategic point for the powerful.
Opening Hours
- 1 January - 31 March : 08:00 - 15:00
- 1 April - 31 August : 08:30 - 20:00
- 1 - 15 September : 08:00 - 19:30
- 15 - 30 September : 08:00 - 19:00
- 1 - 31 October : 08:00 - 18:00
- 1 November - 31 December : 08:00 - 15:00
- Closed on Tuesdays
How to get to the Castle of Methoni
The distance from Athens to Methoni is 284 km and your trip will last about 3.5 hours. Start at the Athens - Corinth highway and choose the national road network for Tripoli. Continue to Kalamata and just before the capital of Messinia, turn right choosing Messini. Choose the road Kalamata - Pylos. When you reach Pylos, know that there are about 10 minutes left for Methoni. The castle that all the powerful wanted is waiting for you!
