The castle of Methoni is one of the most important fortified complexes in the Mediterranean. Built in a strategic location, at the crossroads of the sea routes from the western to the eastern Mediterranean, it occupies a small flat peninsula on Messenia’s south-western coast, with an excellent natural harbour. The region has been continuously inhabited since antiquity. During the byzantine period the city flourishes as a trading centre and a ship replenishment post. After 1209 its Venetian rulers reinforced and expanded the byzantine core of the fortification. During the first Venetocracy, (13th-15th century) the city reaches its heyday. In 1500 it falls to the Ottomans for three centuries, with a brief interval between 1685 and 1715, when it was under Venetian rule once more.

The castle consists of two sections. The city stretches to the south, enclosed by the wall, reinforced with towers. The acropolis, home of the military commander, was located to the north. In this side, the only one connecting the peninsula with the mainland, the fortification is much stronger, protected by a moat. Access to the interior is provided via a bridge supported by 14 arches. The castle underwent at least two extensive modifications. The first one, in the second half of the 15th century, when the northern and western flanks were reinforced and the small maritime fort (Bourtzi) was built, in order to keep up with the new warfare systems. The second one was implemented during the short-lived second Venetocracy, when a monumental building program was carried out, in order to enhance the city’s fortifications.