Ancient city of Pylos

Pylos is a small town in the southwest of the Peloponnese with an ancient and glorious history. The city of Pylos of the Mycenaean period is known to us as the capital of the kingdom of the legendary Nestor, a participant in the Trojan campaign. At the end of Ottoman rule, Pylos became famous thanks to the Navarino naval battle, which marked the beginning of Greek independence from the Turkish yoke.

Pylos has a natural harbor - it is a beautiful Navarino Bay, closed from the Ionian Sea by the elongated islet of Sfactoria. Two fortresses, the old Paleokastro, built by the Crusaders and the new Neokastro, built in the 16th century by the Turks during the Ottoman Empire, are the main attractions of Pylos. On the hill above Pylos stands the fortress of Neokastro, which along with Paleokastro was used as a defensive fortification of the city.

Monumental and well-preserved fortress is considered one of the most surviving in Greece. There is an abundance of various buildings available for viewing, including Turkish fortifications, Venetian structures, the Church of the Transfiguration, which was originally built as a mosque and several towers that appeared in the fortress at different times.

In the park, on the territory of the fortress, you will find echoes of the Navarino battle - found and neatly folded cores, anchors, chains and other weapons centuries ago. On the territory of the fortress there are two unique archaeological museums. From the top of the fortress itself offers a magnificent view of Navarino Bay, the city and the surrounding area.

The road to Pylos will lead us through the city of Cypressia, through a picturesque area overlooking the mountains and the sea. On our way we will make a stop, where in a cozy tavern on the beach you can drink coffee and admire the beautiful view of the sea and the island opposite.

In this journey you will learn about the historical Battle of Navarino, about who played a decisive role in the liberation of Pylos from the Turks, what happened to the Turkish squadron during the brutal battle in Navarino Bay, how the Greeks honor the memory of that battle and what role the Russian Empire played in the liberation and formation of Greek independence.

Walking through the fortress, exploring it, you will feel like a hero of those times and events, take beautiful photos with magnificent views of Navarino Bay, and then we will go down to the city where you can relax in a cafe on the cozy promenade, try Greek crap, other Greek dishes, and talk about why the city of Pylos is called “Little Switzerland”.

10 km from the coast of the city is the medieval fortress of Mefoni, which we will visit after a tour of the fortress of Neokastro. In the summer season, if you wish, and if time permits, we will go to a beautiful beach, where the azure water of the warm Ionian Sea, golden sand and unforgettable views of the Bay of Navarino, will make your trip to the ancient city of Pylo even more rich and interesting.

• Russian-speaking licensed guide services
• transfer with a professional driver
• insurance
• headphones