In ancient years Katakolo was located in the ancient city of Fia, near St. Andreas' beach. Killini and Katakolo were the only two ports of the preference of Ilia. During the Homeric years, Katakolo was a famous fortress near the river of Iardano and in the second half of the 5th century B.C (during the Peloponnese war) Katakolo became Athenians' anchor point to conquer Ilia. The port was destroyed completely by a powerful earthquake (6th century A.C.), but until now from St. Andreas' bay we can see the two remaining small islands Korakas and Tigani. Many shells and remains from Neolithic period up until Romans' years have been found and witness Katakolo' s existence during the centuries. During the Byzantine period and the Middle- Ages, Katakolo had a strong strategic role and magical Pontikokastro, built by the Vilardouins at the remains of the acropolis of Fia, is the proof of it. After Greece's liberation from the Turks the centre of Katakolo was dislocated and obtained its current geographical place. It was one of the most important ports of Greece in raisin exportation, however today is only a famous touristic resort.
Katakolo in the 18th century
According to current history, Katakolo was a place for the exiles from Zante and Kefalonia and initially the name Katakolo, before its current significance, had a bad meaning.
Finally, it's worth mentioning the importance of Pyrgos - Katakolo railway.
{slide=Pyrgos-Katakolo railway}
The railway started working on November 1882 and constituted the second railway in the country after Athens-Piraeus railway. Its construction was due to raisins' exportation (increased after the destruction of the French crops by phylloxera). The railway was 12.5 km, constructed by A. Streit and financed by the General Credit Bank, during the governance of Koumoundouros. In 1896 the raisins' crisis affected and the function of the railway but although its problems the railway has continued its function until August 1998. 
Then (1882)... ...and today!
The railway reopened in 2007 and up until now has offered the opportunity to tourists to visit Olympia, by stopping only in Pyrgos.{/slide}