Nestor's Palace

After another lazy day, drove a short distance up the coast to Pylos again and from there to the Palace of Nestor.

Pylos was the second most important center of the Mycenaean world after Mycenae itself.  The palace was unfortified and built on a hill some distance from modern Pylos.  Erected in the 13th century BC on a site populated since 4000 BC, the palace complex is better preserved than others and gives a good picture of everyday life.  Nestor who ruled for three generations, took part in the Trojan War.  Nearby, Mycenaean Cholos (domed) tombs are still visible.

Four kilometers away is a lovely little museum in yet another town called Chora, housing finds from the Palace and tombs, including gold cups and jewelry and some Linear B clay tablets.  They were found on the first day of excavation and relate to administrative and other matters about the allocation of taxes and debts, expenditures on armaments, etc., the eternal business of government.

Home early for more relaxation on the terrace.

Modern Pylos and harbour

Sign at entrance to Nestor's Palace site

Royal bath tub, 1300 BC

Throne room with central hearth

Oil storage room

Mycenaean domed tomb

Cute Chora museum

Mycenaean gold cup

Linear B clay tablet