Pylos – A Classic Greek Setting 

Modern Pylos is located in the west end of Messenia, opposite a long island called Sphacteria, and the protected  coast of the natural harbor of Navarino Bay. This beautiful town was a short coach ride from the Campsite, over some narrow stretches and hairpin bends – glad I wasn’t driving! En route, was the incongruous sight / site,of a golf course, squeezed in – nobody playing – a total waste of space. It didn’t detract from the Town, though and coffee was enjoyed on the waterfront, after salivating over the best display of fruit and vegetables,on offer nearby, seen, this holiday.

Pylos is a prosperous region bearing a long history and remarkable cultural heritage. Having even been quoted in the Homeric poems, Pylos has all the credentials to be characterized as a “Eutopia” (εὖ- τόπος > good place). The warm Mediterranean sun and clear waters, the long history and stunning habitat make Pylos the centre of the northwest part of Messenia! Given the natural assets of this land, what more could anyone possibly ask for? The entire site of Navarino, from Egaleo Mountain, Korifasio and St. Nicholas to Sphacteria, is shielded by the abundance of light, the memories of the past, the olive trees and their the fruits along with the natural springs. 

Pylos is stepping on a thin line between the new tendency of the tourist industry, which is characterized by massive investments, like golf courses,and the preservation and safeguarding of the historical, cultural and natural heritage of the region, and the fact that none of the latter should ever be “sold out”. The municipality Pylos-Nestoras, the heart of western Messenia, manages to keep the balance in these tough times, allowing the region to progress and keep developing without losing its regional, historic and cultural identity. Much of the latter can be found in Neokastro Pylos Castle and its Archaeological Museum, together with the  Ephorate of underwater antiquities – a national body, dedicated to underwater archaeological exploration and safeguarding.

Apparently, of the best preserved castles of Greece is that of the New Navarino or Niokastro built during the Turkish occupation in 1573, to control the western coast of the Peloponnese.The name of the bay Navarino probably comes from the Avars who settled the region in 585-587 during the reign of Emperor Maurikius.In 1573 after the Naval Battle of Lepanto (1571) to secure more the natural port of pylos the Turks built a castle in the south entrance of the bay.

The Ephorate of Underwater Antquities contains some of the aretefacts rescued from shipwrecks, dating back centuries. It is of a modern design, with video sequences on show at the entrance. 

Their expressed belief is that most of the above ground history of Greece has been found and that any future, significant revelations will have to be rescued from the sea, lakes and rivers.

Bargain trip, really; €3.00 for the castle and both the museum and the Ephorate, plus €3.60 coach ride return to the Campsite entrance. The photo, below shows Pylos in the distance,from the Campsite shore.