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The Castle of Pylos (Niokastro) was built by the Ottomans in 1573 (two years after their defeat in the Battle of Naupaktos - Lepanto), in order to gain control of the southern entrance to the Bay of Navarino. The castle formed an expression of fortification rules dictated by the spread of firearms and the expansion of the Ottoman Empire into Byzantine territory. It remained in Ottoman hands until 1686, when it was surrendered to the Venetians. In 1715, the Ottomans regained control of the castle, together with Koroni and Palionavarino, and a densely-populated settlement grew up within its walls. Between 1816 and 1827 it was ruled by Ibrahim Pasha.
