Passava Castle - Mani

Location

Ten kilometers down the road from Gythio to Areopoli, we find the Passavas Castle, which was built in 1254 by Baron de Neuilly on the site of the ancient town of Las.

On the way from Gythio to Areopoli, there is a sign (at a point indicated on the map) showing where we should leave the car and continue on foot. After following a trail for a short climb (of 15-20 minutes) to the top of the low hill (125-150 meters), we will find the grassy ruins of the historic castle, with a beautiful view of southeast Mani.

History

Passavas has been recognized as a transit gate, collecting tolls since the castle was founded in the 13th century. In the 17th century, during the time of Ottoman domination, the Turks built Kelefas Castle between Areopoli and Itylo, using it along with Passavas Castle to control southern Mani.

In 1685 the Venetians were at war with the Turks. Aided by the people of Mani, the Venetians occupied the Passavas Castle and killed the guards there. This allowed the Maniots free communication with Marathonisi.

The Turkish army stopped at this point during the 1821 Greek War of Independence, after the castle proved impregnable. Some believe this explains the castle’s name (from the French phrase ‘passe-avant,’ which means ‘go farther down’ or ‘move forward’), while others suggest the castle was named after a baron much earlier.