Methoni Castle

The castle of Methoni lies at the southernmost end of the west Peloponnesian coast.  The site was fortified as early as the 7th century B.C., and in the period between 395 A.D.  and 1204 A.D.  was used as a Byzantine fortress.  The area was dominated by the Franks for a very short period and in 1206 was captured by the Venetians who strengthened the fortification, incorporating the pre-Christian defensive structures.  In 1500 Methoni was captured by the Turk Bayazit Pasha, again came under Venetian occupation from 1685 until 1715, and was for a second time dominated by the Turks who kept it under their control until 1829, when it was liberated by the French general Maison, along with other towns of the Peloponnese.

The castle occupies the headland to the east of the modern town and is built on the ruins of the ancient Messenian town of Asine.  It was erected in the 6th or 7th century A.D., and was used all through the Byzantine period. 

You enter the castle by crossing a massive stone vaulted bridge, impressed by the gigantic walls, imposing bastions and monumental gates.
 
To the south another bridge unites the citadel with Bourtzi (photo), a fortified islet with casemates and towers.  Boutzi is burdened with heavy memories, because it used to be a prison and execution's site during the period Peloponnese was under Turkish rule.