Authorities in southwestern Greece are investigating the disappearance of a commemorative bell from a chapel inside the historic Niokastro fortress in Pylos.
The bell, located at the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, was last confirmed in place on May 29 through photographs. Visitors reported it missing on June 6, prompting an inquiry by local authorities and officials from the Ministry of Culture.
Weighing approximately 12 kilograms, the bell was gifted by Russian supporters of Greece and arrived aboard the Russian warship Azov in 2017 during events marking the 190th anniversary of the Battle of Navarino. It was installed in the fortress chapel as a symbol of the historic links between Greece and Russia and to commemorate a pivotal moment in the Greek War of Independence.
Investigators are exploring all possibilities, including theft or an unauthorised removal, as efforts continue to determine the bell’s whereabouts.
The disappearance has sparked concern among local residents due to the bell’s historical and cultural importance. The Battle of Navarino, fought in 1827 near present-day Pylos, saw British, French and Russian forces defeat the Ottoman-Egyptian fleet, helping pave the way for Greek independence.
The incident has also renewed discussion about the protection of religious and heritage artifacts across Greece. In recent years, authorities have examined several cases involving stolen or trafficked ecclesiastical objects, leading to calls for stronger security measures at churches, monasteries and historic sites.
Niokastro fortress, one of Greece’s best-preserved Ottoman-era fortifications, attracts thousands of visitors annually and remains one of the most significant landmarks in the Messinia region.
Source: Tovima
