castles of Greece

Methoni

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Methoni from the hills above. Most of the extant fortifications in this picture are from the Venetian period though the octagonal tower is Turkish.

Castle of Methoni

History/Description: The Byzantine commander Belisarius used it as a base to attack the Vandals in the 6th century, and there is reference to a Byzantine port here in 583. In the early 1100's Byzantine corsairs operated from the port, and it was razed by a Venetian expedition in 1125 in retaliation. Villehardouin was blown here by a storm in 1204 and invited by a local Greek lord to join his attack on another archon. He then went to Nafplion, and he and Champlitte set out on the conquest of the Morea in 1204/5. The Venetians moved quickly and the port was in their hands exclusively from 1209, whence it enjoyed a relatively peaceful existence for three centuries until 1500 when the Ottomans finally took the city. Morosini's campaign saw it back in Venetian hands by 1686, and they retained it until 1715.

Directions: You can walk to the castle from the village of Methoni (or the beach!) which it abuts. Standard guidebooks will provide transport and accommodation details for Methoni.

Sources:

Main ditch and gates from the Venetian period, and 19th century bridge (built by the French).

Castle of Methoni

Main gateway on north side.

Castle of Methoni from http://cog.50webs.com

Entrance in tower, presumably blocked at some point, then re-opened?

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Detail of arms on the top of the tower.

Castle of Methoni, detail, from http://cog.50webs.com

Detail of arms on the top of the tower.

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Detail inside archway.

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The sea gate on the south, from the mole.

Castle of Methoni, sea gate

Plaque showing the lion of Venice on the outer walls.

Castle of Methoni, sea gate

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Unless otherwise stated, the text, images and design of this site are (c) the author. This page last updated 7 Jan 2007