During the Ottoman period, the Mani Peninsula became a hotbed of rebellious activity leading up to the Greek Revolution of 1821. In an attempt to control the area, the Ottomans established new towns and posted a heavy garrison in/around the Castle of Bardounia, just below Panayia Yiatrissa. Many battles were fought within earshot of the monastery, particularly the 1770 Battle of Kastania at the Venetzanakis towers