Pylos

Pylos, historically known by its Venetian-Italian name as Navarino or Navarino, is a coastal town that falls administratively under the Municipality of Pylos – Nestoras, located in the western part of the Messinia region. Until 2010, it was the seat of the municipality of the same name.

It is known for its rich ancient, medieval, and modern history. It is important to note that the first and oldest city of Pylos, Ancient Pylos, is not geographically identical to the present-day town, although the latter serves both as an honorary and essential settlement continuation of the former. Regarding Ancient Pylos, it is only partially identified with various archaeological remains of palaces and other administrative and residential structures found at various neighboring archaeological sites in the broader area of Pylia. However, it remains largely unidentified as a whole, according to both earlier and contemporary experts and researchers. A notable landmark from the Mycenaean period of the ancient city is the Palace of Nestor, as well as other palaces, such as those discovered and being excavated at nearby Iklaina.