Thursday 1 May 2025 - Pylos

This was a public holiday in Greece and people poured into the town during the morning and groups enjoyed a lengthy lunch together. The cafes and restaurants were all packed for the afternoon.


The girls in this family were making garlands from the wild flowers growing beside the castle walls

Pylos was largely built by the French in the 19th century, after the battle of Navarino, and it shows, with elegant buildings arranged around a large square. In the centre of the square is a memorial to the three admirals who commanded the fleet which destroyed the Turk’s local sea power.

The history of this bay:

At the very time when Greek forces were at their lowest ebb, during the war of independence, the fortuitous naval engagement in the Battle of Navarino changed the whole order of things and effectively won the war. On 6th July 1827, the Treaty of London between GB, France and Russia provided that Greece should be autonomous, but under the control of the Turks. This piece of legal chicanery was implemented so the three powers might remain friendly to both Greece and Turkey and allowed for their fleets to guarantee the treaty. The senior admiral, Codrington, was given wide powers of discretion in the policing of the treaty.

Presented with the terms of the treaty, the Greeks agreed, but the Turks did not. Codrington decided to enter the Bay of Navarino, where the Turko-Egyptian fleet was assembled, even though his fleet was outnumbered and outgunned, and despite the fact that his country was not at war with the opposing fleet. The Turko-Egyptian fleet was anchored in a three quarter circle facing the entrance. Codrington led his fleet in and anchored in the middle of this trap. Battle commenced and continued for four hours with unabated fury, causing a scene of wreck and devastation.

It was an unremitting battle, fought at anchor, which Codrigton won, proving that European gun crews were more efficient in the heat of battle. Codrigton was not censured over his action, although the English government expressed regret over it. France mopped up any remaining opposition in the Peloponnese and in the end, Greece was free.

Distance today -         0 Miles

Distance this year - 482 miles 

Tricia (and Steve) 

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