Ancient Paliokastro in Pylos, Peloponnese
Ancient Paliokastro in Pylos, Peloponnese is a significant historical site, boasting a medieval castle and an ancient acropolis situated atop a steep cliff that overlooks the stunning Gialova lagoon, located on the north side of the bay of Navarino. Notably, there were two important castles in this bay, with the other being Niokastro. It's worth noting that the ancient acropolis of Pylos was established at the same location, although it wasn't the Pylos of Nestor and the epic poems of Homer. Instead, it was the Pylos of the classic period, which played a critical role in the Peloponnesian war.
Interestingly, the medieval castle was erected in 1278 by Nicholas II of Saint Omer, the French feudal ruler of Thebes, who became the Baron of Kalamata after marrying Angelina Komnene, the widow of Prince of Achaea, Guillaume II de Villehardouin. Notably, the castle's original name was Port de Jonc, which translates to "Bulrush Port."