Just 11km away from Finikounta, you can find the town of Methoni with one of the most important Castles, from a fortification point of view, in the Hellenic territory. Built at its current status by the Venetians, it was practically a castle city, as it is occupying approximately 95 acres of land and had an excellent natural port, which used to be a hub station for the pilgrims on Holy Lands, as well as, for any merchant ship travelling from West to East and vice versa.
Historical Background
During the era of the Roman Empire, reports indicate that Emperor Traianos had granted to Methoni city a status of autonomy and had significantly strengthened its fortification.
During the 11th century, Methoni was one of the port cities of the Byzantine Empire, for which the Venetians were given the privilege for free shipping of their goods and merchandise. Thus, Methoni had experienced a significant prosperous period, for about 300 years, as a commercial port of the Venetians.At that time its castle were fortified to a large extent, taking its final form and shape.
During the period of the Greek Revolution in 1821, the city of Methoni remained under the occupation of the Ottoman Turks.
In 1825, the Egyptian expeditionary forces, under Ibrahim, used it as a base to attack and occupy Peloponnese.
Finally, in year 1828, the French army, under Maizon, liberated the city,from the Egyptians. The population of Methoni were settled outside the walls, thus the castle remain, since then, deserted.
