Oitilo is an ancient village mentioned by Homer as part of the kingdom of Menelaos. It took its name from the mythical hero, Oitilo , who was the son of Amfianakta of Argos. It is also mentioned by Stravonas and Pausanias.
During the Ottoman occupation of Greece prominent Byzantine families resided in Oitilo, such as the Komninos and Stefanopoulos families and the Medikes or Giatrianoi.
In 1770 Admiral Orlof of the Russian fleet anchored in the cove of Oitilo and together with the Mavromixali family and the Maniates started the revolution of 1770 against the Turks.
The relevant treaty was signed at the historic monistary of Dekoulon, just below Oitilo.
The Maniates are very proud that Mani was one of the few places in Greece that the Turkish armies never set foot.
Many Byzantine churches are scattered throughout Oitilo as traditionally, each family had their own church, and a particular Saint which they worshipped.
In Oitilo there are also many ruins of old tower houses which fell during an earthquake in the early 1900's and were never rebuilt as many families left during the civil war after World War II.
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