The periods of Venetian rule in Nafpaktos(1407-1499 and 1687-1699)
The Albanians hand over Nafpaktos to the Venetians in 1407, and the town is now administered by a Rector. The Venetians, threatened by the Ottomans, reinforce the defense by re-designing and erecting high city walls. After the occupation of Patras by Constantine Palaiologos, leader of the Byzantine Despotate of Morea, in 1430, the Venetians transfer the commercial activities of western Greece to Nafpaktos, which thus becomes a significant political and economic center.Despite the increasing pressure by the Ottomans, who occupy gradually the greatest part of Aitolia in 1449-50 and Patras in 1458, Venetian Nafpaktos resists against the sieges of 1462-63, 1467 and 1477. The latter siege results in a 20-year treaty with Sultan Mehmet II. After an orchestrated siege from sea and land by Sultan Vayazit II (1481-1512), the Venetians surrender Nafpaktos to the Ottomans in 1499; a treaty is signed in 1502.Venice re-capitulates Nafpaktos for a short period between 1687 and 1699. In this time, the Venetians repair again the city wall and re-enforce the defense line against the Ottoman threat which passes through Nafpaktos and the castles of Rio and Antirrio.