PYRGOS

Modern Greek Prgos, chief town and capital of the noms (department) of Ila, western Peloponnese, Greece, situated on the agricultural plain of the lower Alpheus River. Its port, Katkolon, to the west, was founded in 1857 to handle the export of Corinth raisins (currants). Pyrgos lies near ancient Letrinoi, a town on the Sacred Way from Elis to Olympia. The town is linked by rail to Ptrai and Kalmai. Pyrgos has been subject to frequent damaging earthquakes. Pop. (1991 prelim.) 27,248.