Methoni

“The Eyes of Venice” in the Mediterranean

Built by the Venetians in the early 13th century on a rocky peninsula, the massive Castle of Methoni, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, occupies the entire area of the cape on the western coast. Three sides of the castle are surrounded by the sea, while the northern side, which faces the land, is strongly fortified by an acropolis. Here is the impressive entrance: a stone bridge with 14 arches – constructed by the Venetians in place of an earlier wooden one – connecting the castle to the mainland.

The imposing gate of the castle, decorated with reliefs, prominently features the embedded lion of Saint Mark, the symbol of Venice. This is one of the most striking aspects of the castle. Crests, coats of arms, inscriptions, ruins of Venetian noble houses, remnants of two Ottoman baths, the Loredan and Bembo bastions, parts of the Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia, the chapel of Agia Sotira (built in 1830 by the French Liberation Corps and still in use today), and the Morosini Column are some of the notable sights of the castle.

From the restored Sea Gate, a cobbled road leads to the fortified islet of Bourzi, at the southern end of the castle. The octagonal two-story building was constructed by the Venetians in 1500 as a bastion for the protection of the harbor. During the Ottoman period, it served as a prison and execution site. Locals claim that when the wind howls through the ears of the inhabitants, they can hear the screams of the prisoners.

The best time to enjoy the breathtaking view of the castle is at sunset, when the sun sets over the Ionian Sea horizon, and the castle’s lights begin to illuminate, gently lighting up its massive walls.

Extra tips

• Take a stroll through the picturesque town, with beautiful mansions that maintain the characteristics of local architecture.
• Visit the rock-hewn Catacombs of Saint Onuphrius (2 km north of Methoni) and the Catholic Monastery of Saint Leo.
• Enjoy a swim at the beautiful beach next to the castle and also at Mavrovouni, Anemomylos, Loutsa, and Akritika.
• Embark on an excursion to the Messinian Islands. The lush island of Sapienza, with its rich fauna and impressive lighthouse, Schiza with its marvelous cave, and Agia Marianí with the picturesque church of Saint Marina.