TOLON

Tolon, a historic seaside village, is situated in the Argolic Gulf, on the Peloponnese peninsula. It is first mentioned around 1342 AD, and its name is derived from the Catalan bishop Jean TOLON from Balaguer – Lerida,Spain.

In 1342 the city of Andravida was the seat of the Catholic Diocese of the north and central Peloponnese,under whose jurisdiction the village of Tolon was also at the time.

On the crown of the small islet called “ROMVI” -  Port TOLON, opposite Tolo, stand the remains of impressive Cyclopean walls which extend to a length of 100 metres and width of 1 metre,built of cyclopean stone blocks.

Romvi is similar to the shape of two approximate rhombuses (diamond shapes) submerged in the bay of Tolo,which is why the spelling romvoi (plural) opposed to romvi (singular) is proposed.

Historians inform us that on the crown of the islet,Jean TOLON is most likely buried under the remains of a very old church whose walls are of great historical  interest.Scattered on others parts of the islet “Romvi”-Port TOLON, are remains of a Venetian naval station,as well as various other buildings and houses. This naval station was built during the Venetian rule ( 1686 – 1715 ) .

In July 1686 the Venetian Admiral Francesco Morosini disembarked troops on the sandy beach of Port TOLON ( Tolon ) <1200 soldiers and cavalry>.After crossing land on foot,this military force quickly reached the Venetian fortress of Palamidi in Nafplio.They suprised the Turkish guard taking control of the Palamidi fortress and then of Nafplio on 27/7/1686.

Later on in 1831 the Municipality of Minoa was founded by the first Cretan inhabitants.The Cretan dialect is still spoken by some of the local inhabitants of Tolo.

During the Second World War,with the Nazi and fascist occupation of Greece following the crumbling of the Greek – Italian front, British ships departed from the shore of Tolo with the allied  British,Australian and New Zealand forces – in April 1941. A tough battle took place between the departing British  troops and the invading Nazi – fascist forces and about 10-12 soldiers were killed on both sides.

In more recent times, 1952, Tolon was visited by the Prime Minister of Great Britain Winston Churchill, accompanied by the Greek ship – owner, the unforgettable Aristotelis Onassis and the famous soprano Maria Kallas, on Onassis’ cruiser  “Christina”.

Tolo has beautiful sandy beaches, a healthy climate and clean, crystal clear waters.It offers fresh air,fresh fish and all abudance of natural goods. Yet, it’s a famous worldwide resort.

It has a population of about 1500 permanent residents and resides under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Assini in the Southern Argolid.

In former British maps dated back to 1518 the name Port Tolon “Gulf of Nauplia” is noted as – The Argolic Gulf.

Tolon formerly a small fishing village, has now acquired a more modern appearance and is known worlwide.