The coastal town of Methoni is 10 kilometres from Pylos and 61 kilometres from Kalamata. It has approximately 1200 permanent residents. During Homeric times it was called Pedasos, while Homer characterises it as "ambeloessa". Some argue that Pidasos corresponds to today's Koroni, while Methoni corresponds to the Homeric Aipeia. Traveller Pausanias mentions that the city was also called Mothoni, from the mythical Mothona’s stone, on which the city's castle was located or from Oeneas’ daughter, Mothoni.
At the end of the 8th century, Methoni was captured by the Spartans and remained under their rule until 338 BC, when the intervention of Philip of Macedonia liberated it. Also, in 191 BC, Methoni entered the Achaean Commonwealth (ancient Greek federation).
Methoni, which in the past was renowned for its strategic and commercial port, is rich in ancient Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish monuments (churches, mosques, fortifications, etc.). The Castle of Methoni stands out, built by the Venetians and surrounded by sea. South of the fortress is the Bourtzi tower, built on a small rocky island. The tower is connected to the main fort by a stone bridge with 14 arches.
The entire settlement of Methoni has been characterised as traditional. The modern Methoni's urban plan follows the model of the Ionian Islands and the cities of southwestern France. The first co-educational school in the entire Peloponnese is in Methoni. In fact, the location of its construction was indicated by Kapodistrias himself when he visited Methoni in 1829. The Kapodistrian school operated until 1935/36, and today it is characterised as a historical preserved monument and work of art.
In Syggrou Square, near the entrance to the castle, the visitor can see the Primary School (donated by Andreas Syggros), as well as the Venetian well. This well was built during the 2nd Venetian period (1686-1715) and has been classified as a historical monument. Finally, the Catacombs of Agios Onofrios are among the attractions of Methoni. It is the oldest Christian cemetery identified in the Peloponnese and is located in the north of the city, on the slope of the mountain of Agios Nikolaos.
