A Holiday Guide to the Pylos and the Surrounding Area
Posted: Saturday, August 19, 2006
by Claire May
Claire's Messinian Properties
Messinia lays on the southern part of mainland Greece , now divided from the mainland by the Corinth Canal . The peninsula hosts some of the most important and impressive ancient sites in Greece . It has a warm winter, it's not too hot in summer and boasts some of the best and cleanest beaches in the whole of Greece . Even in the height of the summer holiday season there are no more than a handful of people to be seen on them.
It is an ideal place to relax and go for walks. Wander off the beaten track into the old hill towns and discover the true beauty of the region. A world apart from the islands, the beautiful and sparsely populated the Peloponnese is a bastion of disappearing Greek village life. The rural villages in this area are beautifully authentic, traditional and spread out. The local villagers are friendly and welcoming, often plying new tourists with gifts of wine and oranges.
The small town of Pylos is on the south western tip of the Peloponnese . It is 50km from Kalamata and 11km from Methoni.
The town of Pylos is undoubtedly one of the most attractive coastal towns in Greece . It is built in an amphitheatre on a hill side above the bay of Navarino . In the centre of the port there is a rock with breakwaters know as Marathonisi or Chelonaki. This rock is the historical islet of Sfaktira. Pylos has vivid colours, snow-white two-storey houses with courtyards drenched in flowers. The arcaded streets make you think you've been transported to an island. The main square is situated on the water front. It's ringed with pastry shops, has two large cannons and is sheltered by enormous, centuries-old plane trees. The Ancient town of Pylos was frequently mentioned in history and Mythology. The present town was built in 1829, according to the plans of French architects of General Maison's.
The TurkoVenetian fortress, known as Neokastro, dominates the west side of town. One of the most attractive in the Peloponnese , it is called that to distinguish it from the ancient fortress to the southwest, named Paliokastro or Palionavarino. The fortress was built by the Turk in 1573 and restored by the French after the Battle of Navarino. On the southern side of the ramparts its towers reinforce it wall defences. There is a marvellous view of the bay from here. A hexagonal fort forms the inner bastion and chirping crickets have replace the battle cries and roar of firing canons. A museum to the left of the entrance sells gifts and souvenirs.
The Battle of Navarino Bay Pylos was the site of the battle of Navarino which was not even supposed to be a battle. In fact it was the result of what the British King George IV called a "terrible mistake". However, it became the turning point in Greece 's War of Independence. The 26 British, French and Russian fleets under the command of Admiral Codrington took up position around Pylos bay on 28 October 18 27 and ‘accidentally' sank 53 ships of Ibraham Pashas combined Turkish, Egyptian and Tunisian fleets.
Although meant to be a warning for the Turkish ships to leave the bay. At the first sight of the Allied ships canon fire it trigged a response form the Turko-Egyptian fleet. The end result was that those ships lost are still there to this day and can be seen in the clear waters. Thus the Peloponessos was liberated and the Peleponisos became the nation of modern Greece .
The Island of Sfaktira
The medieval fortress of Paliokastro perches on magnificent cliffs on the north side of the island. An underground passage connect it the Nestor's cave where the King of Pylos is supposed to have shelter his cattle. At the foot of the fortress there is a funeral monument in the memory of the 540 French sailors who lost there lives in the battle of Navarone.
Gialova and Voidakilia
Gialova is a small village surrounded by fruit and olive trees and has several good beaches, including Golden bay and Voidakilia. However, voidakilia is one of the most spectacular in the whole of Greece . The bay of Voidokilia with its sandy beach extends from the base of the old fortress. A dirt road leads to Gialova lagoon one of the most important ecosystems in Greece . This wide expanse of water is home to over 250 species of birds. The dense vegetation provides cover for chameleons and logger-head turtle, while many species of fish thrive in the safe waters. It is a favourite place for birds migrating from the north to frolic in the reeds.
Nestors Palace
The Mycenean Palace of Nestor, one of the best preserved of all Mycenean palaces. It stands on a hill top amid a sea of olive trees. It was one the palaces of a hero from the Trojan Wars. There are a group of 3 buildings surrounded by high walls which was built in the 13 th century BC. The main building originally had two floors, residential quarters and store rooms. Older building stood to the southeast and to the northeast lays the ruins of a complex of workshops and more storerooms. Many of the frescos and artefacts found here, including pottery, jewellery, various bronze and ivory objects are now in the archaeological museum in nearby Chora.
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