The Battle of Lepanto took place on October 7, 1571, in the Gulf of Patras, off the coast of Greece. It was a significant naval engagement between the forces of the Holy League, a coalition of Christian states, and the Ottoman Empire. The battle marked a turning point in the struggle for control of the Mediterranean Sea. The Holy League, led by Don Juan of Austria, achieved a decisive victory, sinking or capturing many Ottoman ships. This battle halted the Ottoman expansion into Europe and boosted the morale of Christian states. Lepanto is often regarded as one of the last major naval battles fought primarily with galleys.