GREECE ATTICA SARONIC ISLANDS PALAIOKASTRO

Near the southwestern coast of the Methana peninsula, about one kilometer below Megalochori lies the acropolis of Palaiokastro, ancient Methana, on top of a small lava dome. - Above: Views to the acropolis from the East.

The acropolis was already settled in the Neolithic Period. It was also used in the Mycenaean era as documented by sherds. In historical times it was dominated by Troizen until the Athenian general Nikias landed on Methana, erected the predecessor of Favieros castle, built a wall on the isthmus and enforced an embargo. In the 4th century BC Methana was independent, but in the third and second century BC under Ptolemaic control when a cult of Isis and Serapis was established here. In the second century AD Pausanias reports a sanctuary of Isis and statues of Hermes and Herakles in the market place.

Most impressive are the city's isodomic defensive walls of volcanic stone that are conserved to a considerable height. However, no thorough excavations and preservations have been undertaken, noticeable e.g. at the half-buried city gate (below left). Altogether, the remains of Palaiokastro are in a quite poor state.