Paleokastro of Navarino #1300

Description

The castle overlooks the much-photographed beach of Voidokilia and the Divari lagoon (or “Gialova”). Its position allows control over the northern entrance to the Bay of Navarino and the harbor in the Divari lagoon area.

The Frankish name of the castle was “Port de Jonc,” meaning “Port of Reeds,” likely due to the abundant reeds growing in the sandy ground around the lagoon.

One theory suggests that the name "Navarino" derives from the company of Navarrese mercenaries who later occupied the area, though this view is not considered reliable.

In a chrysobull (imperial decree) by Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos from 1293, the area is referred to as Avarino: “To Pylos, called Avarino.” Additionally, the Chronicle of the Morea (line 8096) mentions the “Castle of Avarino.”

The name is thought to have originated from the Avars, who settled in the area along with Slavs as early as the 6th century.