Sightseeing in Pylos

The small coastal town of Pylos is many times referenced as “the princess of South” and it is one of the most picturesque and historical places in Greece. It is located on the southwest coast of the Peloponnese, in the district of Messenia in southern Greece. It is the capital of Pylia Province. Nearby villages include Gialova, Chora and Palaionero. The town of Pylos has 2,561 inhabitants, the municipality of Pylos 5,402 (2001).

In “Antonopulio” Museum in Pylos, you can admire a large part of the collection owned by the French Rene Puaux (who supported the Greeks when they were under the Turkish rule) as well as findings from ancient Greece.

At the south part of Pylos, you can find the famous “Kamares”: large stone pipes which were once used to carry water into the castle.

The birth-house of Kwstis Tsiklitiras is located near the harbor, beside the Townhall. Kwstis Tsiklitiras was a famous athlete and winner of the Olympic games. His house is recently renewed and it is going to host the Public Library of Pylos.

Το Λιμάνι

Pylos' bay is one of the biggest and safest natural ports of the world, 4,8km length and 3,6km width. It was the site of two naval battles: the Battle of Pylos, in 425 BC during the Peloponnesian War and the Battle of Navarino, in 1827 during the Greek War of Independence. It is formed by a deep indenture in the Morea and is shut in by a long island, anciently called Sphacteria or Sphagia (modern name Sfaktiria), famous for the defeat and capture of the Spartans, in the Battle of Pylos during the Peloponnesian War, and still showing the ruins of walls which perhaps formed their last refuge. This island has been divided into three or four separate sections by the violence of the waves. Boats could pass from the open sea into the port, in calm weather, using the channels formed.

One such section contains the tomb of a Turkish saint, or santon, called the Tsixli Baba or Fanari. This same section also contains a monument to the French sailors who died at the Battle of Navarino; the monument to the Russian troops of the same battle is on the island of Sphacteria, while the monument to the English troops is on another very small island near the center of the port.

Μνημείο

Monuments and tombs from the Greek War of Independence are on the island of Sphacteria, the most important being the monument to the Italian philhellene Santorre di Santa Rosa which was built in 1926 by the Italian state. On the opposite side, there is another monument built in 1959 to the Greek troops and the tomb of Paul Bonaparte, nefiew of Napoleon the Great.

¶γιος Νικόλαος

Another monument to the Russian dead is built by Queen Olga in 1872 and beside it the small church St.Nicolas. Inside the port, the tiny island “Helonaki” (meaning “small turtle”) with the monument to the English troops can be found.

Βοϊδοκοιλιά

Only 7km north of Pylos, you can reach the famous for its natural beauty Voidokoilia beach, full of sand hills and the “Paleokastro” (meaning old castle) from which the view to Voidokoilia is fantastic! The cave of king Nestora is also found here. According to Greek mythology, god Hermes hid there 50 horses which he stole from god Apollon.

Νιόκαστρο

Don't miss the Castle of Pylos (Niokastro)! Built by the Turkish in 1572 and renovated in 1982-1987, it is highly recommended since you will have the chance to admire a view of the town while standing literally over the sea and also enjoy a walk in the green full of flowers gardens of the castle...an unforgetable experience! There you can also find a museum which hosts underwater findings from all over Greece and a small church dedicated to Christ.

Λιμνοθάλασσα

The lagoon in Gialova is an attraction for those interested in history and in nature. Caretta-caretta sea turtles and African Chameleons are endangered species and can be found here among a big variety of birds and fishes. It really worths a visit! Don't miss beach Divari/Golden Sand just beside the lake: one of the best organized and most crowded beaches in the area.

Ανάκτορο Νέστωρα

Taking the road to Chora and in 15km you can admire the Palace of Nestora. with a magnificent view over the area. It's one of the best reserved palaces from the Mikinaiki (Trojan Wars) era.

Last Updated on Sunday, 09 August 2009 19:49