The Naval Battle of Nafpaktos, also known as the Naval Battle of Lepante, took place on 7 October 1571 during the
2nd Venetian-Turkish War. It was one of the most significant naval battles in world history and a turning point in the balance of power in the Mediterranean Sea.
The naval battle was fought at the gulf of Patras, near Nafpaktos, between the allied Christian forces of the Holy League, under the guidance of Pope Pius V, and the Ottoman Navy. The Holy League, led by Juan de Austria, consisted of forces from Spain, Venice and other Christian states. The battle was of key importance, since the Christian forces won a great victory against the Ottomans, under Müezzinzade Ali Pasha, destroying a large part of the Ottoman fleet.
This victory halted the Ottoman advance across the Mediterranean Sea and boosted the morale of European Christian states. Although the Ottomans subsequently regained their naval force, the Naval Battle of Nafpaktos marked an important turning point in the war for the control of the Mediterranean Sea.
