She made an invaluable contribution to European culture. Literature, architecture, philosophy, history, other sciences, state system, laws, art and myths of ancient Greece laid the foundation of modern European civilization. Greek gods known all over the world.
Greece today
Modern Greece little known to most of our compatriots. The country is located at the junction of West and East, connecting Europe, Asia and Africa. Length coastline is 15,000 km (including islands)! Our map will help you find a unique corner or island, which I haven’t been to yet. We offer daily feed news. In addition, for many years we have been collecting photo And reviews.Holidays in Greece
Acquaintance with the ancient Greeks in absentia will not only enrich you with the understanding that everything new is well-forgotten old, but will also encourage you to go to the homeland of gods and heroes. Where, behind the ruins of temples and the debris of history, our contemporaries live with the same joys and problems as their distant ancestors thousands of years ago. An unforgettable experience awaits you rest, thanks to the most modern infrastructure surrounded by pristine nature. On the site you will find tours to Greece, resorts And hotels, weather. In addition, here you will learn how and where to register visa and you will find Consulate in your country or Greek visa center .Real estate in Greece
The country is open to foreigners wishing to purchase real estate. Any foreigner has the right to this. Only in border areas do non-EU citizens need to obtain a purchase permit. However, finding legitimate houses, villas, townhouses, apartments, correct execution of the transaction, and subsequent maintenance is a difficult task that our team has been solving for many years.Russian Greece
Subject immigration remains relevant not only for ethnic Greeks living outside their historical homeland. The immigrant forum discusses how legal issues, as well as the problems of adaptation in the Greek world and, at the same time, the preservation and popularization of Russian culture. Russian Greece is heterogeneous and unites all immigrants who speak Russian. At the same time, in recent years the country has not met the economic expectations of immigrants from the countries of the former USSR, and therefore we are seeing a reverse migration of peoples.If you are staying on vacation in Kalamata, the center of the Greek region of Messinia, then you can offer three main routes, using which you can see all the most interesting and unusual things that this area is famous for.
Route 1: Kalamata - Kardamili
Messinian Mani (or Outer Mani) is an amazing corner of the earth, glorified by the British traveler and writer Patrick Leigh Fermor, who spent the last years of his life here. The first stop is Megali Mantinia, a traditional village, and then the villages of Sotirianika and Kharavgi, where the majestic castle of the Kapetanaki warlords is located. Before Kardamili, make a short detour to visit villages on the mountain slopes, such as Prosilio with its masonry houses, and then follow the road to the village of Cherya, famous throughout the country for its masons. In Kariovouni, stop for a bite to eat at the Arachova tavern, sit at one of the tables under two huge plane trees and taste the juicy meat. The final destination of the route is Kardamili, one of the most beautiful towns in Greece. Walking through the Old Town with its traditional castles and the wonderful post-Byzantine Church of St. Spyridon, you will feel like you are wandering through a museum. You will make the best choice if you go for a bite to eat at the Elies tavern, located in the city’s quarter of the same name.
Route 2: Kalamata-Pylos-Methoni-Koroni
Since opening hotel complex Costa Navarino, the western part of Messinia began to develop rapidly: thanks to this hotel, the region took a prominent place in the world tourist map. Take a short detour to visit Ancient Messini, one of the most significant cities of antiquity that was not destroyed or buried by later settlements, and the Monastery of Metamorfosi Sotiros (Transfiguration of the Lord), a monastery located in the nearby village of Petralona, one of the most important monastic complexes in the region and one of the most beautiful in the entire Peloponnese. From there, stopping in the new town of Messini to buy homemade noodles, trajanas and pasta from the Carcazuli factory, continue to Polylimnio - a paradise of natural lakes, lush vegetation, waterfalls and ponds ideal for diving. Then travel to Pylos, stopping first at Ano Angliano to explore the Palace of Nestor, one of the best preserved palaces of the Mycenaean period. Pylos is a beautiful town crowned by a castle. From its walls there is a magnificent view of the Ionian Sea, Voidokalya Bay, Yalova Lagoon and Navarino Bay. You can have lunch at the 4 Epoches tavern, which serves fresh fish dishes. Next, the path goes through Methoni and ends in Koroni - two towns with equally majestic fortresses. In Koroni, be sure to check out the Xepapa bakery, which has been in operation since 1925 and has never changed its interior since then, and then have lunch at the O Cangelarios tavern, serving fish soup, seafood and delicious lobster pasta.
Route 3: Kalamata - Artemisia
Before setting off from Kalamata, the capital of Messinia prefecture, stop by the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles and light a candle. This church is a symbol of the city. On March 23, 1821, the beginning of the Greek Revolution was proclaimed here. Head north, paralleling the Nedont River. You will cross a spectacular gorge and find yourself in the heart of the Taygetos mountain range, marveling at the stunning mountain scenery and lush vegetation. Artemisia is one of the prefecture's most beautiful mountain villages. It is worth making a short stop here, strolling through its narrow streets and visiting two significant historical monuments: the house of Puloupatis, built in folk style, a typical example of local architecture, and the buildings of the monastery of St. John the Evangelist in Mela, just 800 m from the village. Interesting is the traditional oil mill of the Dikeou family with the first hydraulic press in Greece, located in a beautiful area on the Koutsuomili River (a tributary of the Netonta). Ask for the keys to the creamery at the Theotokos tavern, where, by the way, you can then taste local delicacies: stuffed sausages, oven-baked kid, pork with celery, hare in onion sauce, which are served on the spacious veranda, from where, just like on the movie screen, Taygetos is visible.
For lovers of water treatments, there is also a lot of interesting things in the vicinity of Kalamata. One of the main beaches in the region is Ritsa. This is a wonderful beach with white pebbles and blue water. Both numerous vacationing tourists and local residents swim here. The sea at Kalogria beach, dotted with tiny bars, is shallow with white sand. Foneas beach with a rock in the middle is ideal for diving. For lovers of a secluded holiday, we can recommend the small and uncrowded Delfinya beach. Also of interest will be the beaches of Kalamitsi, surrounded by cypress trees, and Katafigi Trachilas, which amaze with an amazing landscape with caves.
Dear readers, we will travel with you through the ancient and beautiful Peloponnese peninsula. Today our guide will be Galia Fayzullina, together with her we will get acquainted with one of largest cities peninsula - Kalamata, Greece.
Ancient cities of the Peloponnese. Kalamata
Perhaps in the most picturesque place of the Peloponnese, on the shores of the Gulf of Messina, surrounded mountain range Taigetos is home to an unusually cozy and sunny city called Kalamata.
History of Kalamata
So, the history of this small port town begins long before our era. As early as the 8th century BC in the works of Homer, Kalamata was mentioned under the old name Fare or Fires. In the poems “Odyssey” (G, verse 488) and “Iliad” (E, verse 542-560) it is described as a large and populous city. Almost a thousand years after this, the traveler Pausanias writes in his book “Missianics” that he founded this city son of the god Hermes Faris. The geographer Strabo also mentioned Phares when describing its location. Under the same name it appears in the list of cities of the Eastern Roman Empire during the reign of Justinian. Then the name Fares disappears and a new “Kalame” appears.
The current name is found only in 1208, when Messinia came into the possession of the French Baron Villehardouin. And although his residence was in Andravida, he spent a lot of time in the fortress he built on the hill. After the end of the reign of his sons, Kalamata found itself under the rule of the Byzantines, Venetians and Turks.
Few people know that in 1769, during the preparation of the revolution that did not end in success, Count Alexei Orlov visited here. And it was from Kalamata, but already in 1821, the Greek partisans Kolokotronis, Mavromichalis, Papaflessas and Nikitaras proclaimed the struggle for independence from Ottoman rule.
And today, March 23, Greek Independence Day is celebrated here (in the rest of Greece - March 25), and monuments to the heroes of the revolution are erected on central square cities.
Kalamata today
Presentation video of Kalamata:
Now it is the capital of the Messinia district with a population of 60,000 people and the second most important city on the peninsula after Patras. And although there are tourists here at any time of the year, the main influx occurs during the tourist season from mid-May to mid-October. At this time, a five-kilometer city embankment turns into a continuous live stream of vacationers. Tourists, mainly from Europe and from Greece itself.
But in winter I especially love Kalamata. At this time, the already safe town turns into a stronghold of serenity and peace. Small cozy cafes where people leisurely sip coffee create a truly relaxing atmosphere. And residents stroll leisurely, window shopping along Aristomenus Street, where car traffic is prohibited.
Weather in Kalamata
The region has a characteristic Mediterranean climate. Dry hot summers with temperatures +35 +38 C and mild winters with frequent rains and temperatures +5 C +15 C.
The swimming season begins in May and ends in October, and for seasoned swimmers, who can often be found in winter, it does not end at all.
Beaches of Kalamata
The beaches here are mostly sandy with small pebbles at the entrance to the sea. The coast and the sea itself are clean, as the owners of numerous cafes and restaurants closely monitor this. All beaches in Kalamata are municipal, so you can grab a towel and have a great time in any place you like. Sunbathe, play ball, badminton, or just read. Or you can spend the whole day in a coastal cafe, sitting comfortably on a sun lounger under an umbrella. To do this, it is enough to buy a drink at least once and then freely use the changing cabin and shower.
Personally, I, like other locals, prefer Almiros Beach. Here, the bottom, unlike the city beach, gradually disappears from under your feet, but, however, the water is cooler due to underwater currents. It is also possible to rent a jet ski, sky surf board or kayak. And some cafes offer their visitors the use of a surfboard absolutely free.
On the way to Kardamili you can stop at the picturesque rocky coast. Usually in such places there are a lot of boulders underwater, where the underwater world is much richer and it is extremely interesting to swim with a mask and snorkel.
Sights of Kalamata
Perhaps the main attraction of Kalamata is the medieval fortress located on a hill in the old part of the city. Built at the beginning of the 13th century by Baron Villehardouin, it still attracts the admiration of city visitors and allows you to enjoy the magnificent views of the city from here. In the summer, concerts and performances are held on the territory of the fortress.
It is also worth visiting the oldest church in the city - the Church of the Holy Apostles on March 23 Square, built in the 13th century. By the way, it was on this square that, one might say, the revolution for the independence of Hellas began.
The city is truly decorated with the Main Cathedral of Ipapandi, where the icon of the Virgin Mary of Ipapandi and the Church of the Ascension of Christ, the Church of St. Nicholas and Athanasius, the Church of St. John the Baptist and many other cathedrals, churches and monasteries are kept, of which there are about fifty in Kalamata.
There are museums in the city: historical and ethnographic, archaeological, military and a railway transport museum.
There is also a Philharmonic Society, a Central Library, and a municipal art gallery. And if you just wander through the old city streets, this is already an excursion into the past of this glorious city.
About 50 km from Kalamata there is a pearl of local beauty - Ridomo Gorge. Nature lovers should definitely go there. The rather difficult journey there is fully compensated by the breathtaking beauty of the landscape and local flora.
And I strongly advise guests of Kalamata to travel 90 km towards Areopoli and visit one of the most beautiful caves in the world - the Diru Cave. These are huge halls decorated with colorful stalactites and stalagmites with the largest underground lakes in Europe.
Where and what to eat in Kalamata
As throughout Greece, there is a huge number of all kinds of drinking establishments and eateries. You can simply buy souvlaki with flatbread on the square near the Church of the Holy Apostles and sit listening to live music, or go to a tavern and try Kalamata’s signature dish, pig on a spit. And be sure to leave room for dessert, offered free of charge by the owners of the establishment.
Twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday, the Laiki market opens, where you can buy the freshest fruits, herbs, and fish without store markups.
And then, I would like to note that here is the most delicious olive oil, valued not only in Greece, but throughout the world. And called Kalamata (καλαμών), there is even a special variety of dark olives.
Shopping
Although many shops in Kalamata have closed due to the existing crisis, many well-known brands are represented in the city: H&M, Zara, Bershka, Benetton, Mango, Dur, etc., not counting small shops without sonorous names. Greek souvenir shops, leather shops, shops with interesting things self made, contemporary art galleries will brighten up any tourist’s pastime. And the seasons of summer (from July 15 to the end of August) and winter (from January 15 to February 27) sales in Kalamata, as well as throughout Greece, are an Eldorado for shopping lovers.
Once a week on Thursdays, a stock market opens here, where sellers who buy up last year’s collections in regular stores in advance at a price per kilogram, then sell them on the market at a very high price. low prices. You can find an interesting branded item at a really ridiculous price.
Do you like extreme sports?
For active holidaymakers, you can go sky surfing or hang gliding from the top of Taigetos before landing on the town beach. There is a yacht club next to the pier, so you can ride a yacht or go karting next to the karting club cafe.
Kalamata Map
How to get there
Kalamata is located 255 km from Athens, 215 km from Patras and 715 from Thessaloniki. You can get there in several ways:
- by plane, since 8 kilometers from Kalamata there is an airport that receives international and domestic flights 11 airlines. For example, from Thessaloniki there is regular flights, operated by Astra Airlines every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday. And Aegean Airlines operates direct flights from Moscow every Sunday in the summer.
- by car along the new national highway Athens - Corinth - Tripoli - Kalamata. The journey will take about 2.5 hours.
- on regular buses departing from the Athens bus station Ktel Kifisou. There are simple buses with a trip duration of 3.20 hours, and there is also an express bus that goes without stops, which can take you 2.40 hours. The price one way is about 22 euros.
Kalamata is a small port city of Greece, located in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese, and is also the capital of the fertile region of Messenia. It is in this region that the best Greek olives are grown, from which they later produce excellent olive oil, popular all over the world. Therefore, if the packaging says “Kalamata, Greece”, rest assured, this is a product of the highest quality. The city is located 255 kilometers from Athens, and 715 kilometers from Thessaloniki. Despite their small sizes, Kalamata has its own international airport, serving flights of more than 11 airlines to a variety of destinations. The small, sunny Greek city is ideal for a calm and relaxing holiday by the sea, surrounded by olive groves and picturesque landscapes.
Selection favorable air tickets through Aviadiscounter (searches like Aviasales + a selection of airline promotions and sales).
| From - Where | Departure date | Find a ticket |
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And for selection intercity transport(planes, trains, buses) across Europe, try , the service offers the best ways to travel along popular routes.
Or make your own route.
Like most Greek cities, Kalamata has an ancient and rich history. Since its founding, it has been under the rule of both the Spartans and the Franks, and was captured by the Byzantine, Venetian, and Turkish empires. Only at the beginning of the 19th century, Kalamata was among the first to become part of the new independent state - Greece. Today, the city with a population of about 60,000 inhabitants is the main financial center of the entire Peloponnese. The region's economy is based on agriculture: vegetables, figs, olives, grapes are grown here, from which, among other things, raisins are produced. 
- Area: 43 km²;
- Time zone: UTC+2, summer UTC+3;
- Population: 54,100.
Features of climate and nature
The region is dominated by a Mediterranean climate with its characteristic weather: hot, dry summers with air temperatures of +35⁰C...+38⁰C, followed by mild winters with heavy precipitation, the thermometer drops to +5⁰C...+15⁰C. The tourist season opens in May and lasts until the end of October, but seasoned tourists and swimmers can also be found in winter. 
The region is dominated by sandy beaches, with a small pebble strip at the entrance to the sea. As in most European cities, the beaches here are municipal, so the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas is for an additional fee, but you can bring your own towel and sunbathe to your heart’s content in any place you like. The coast has all the necessary infrastructure: changing cabins, showers, toilets, places for playing ball. Also, there are many cafes, restaurants and bars. There are rentals of jet skis, catamarans, kayaks, surfboards and sky surfing. Local residents prefer Almiros beach, which, unlike the city beach, has a gentler entrance to the sea, however, due to the underwater current, the water in this place is cooler. 
What to see
The main attractions of Kalamata are religious. On the territory of the city there are more than 50 churches and monasteries, both ancient and modern buildings. The Church of the Holy Apostles is considered the symbol of the city. However, the most beautiful temple is the big one. Cathedral, 1873, located in the central city square of Ipapandi. The church houses an ancient icon of the Mother of God of Ipapandi, found in the ruins of an ancient religious monastery that stood on this site in the 18th century.
The Kalogreon Nunnery is famous for its wonderful silk products handmade by the nuns. One room of the monastery is completely dedicated to the museum of silk weaving, with an exhibition of the skillful works of the monastery craftswomen: the finest shawls, scarves and ties.
Another, no less attractive tourist attraction, located on a hill, is a medieval fortress from the times of the Crusaders, erected by Baron Villehardouin. Not many buildings have survived in the fortress itself, but it offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings. There is also a small summer theater where city concerts and festive events are held. 
In addition, the city has the Benakion Archaeological Museum, which exhibits a collection of sculptures, funerary reliefs, and other objects discovered by archaeologists in the vicinity of the city. Also on display are vibrant Roman mosaics from Desilla and many other finds from across Greece. Nearby are the buildings of the Historical and Ethnographic Museums. Art lovers should visit the city art gallery and appreciate the works of outstanding artists of the country presented here.
One of the most interesting museums in Kalamata is the Railway Museum, in the park of which you can not only admire ancient steam locomotives, carriages and various mechanical accessories, but also touch everything, climb everywhere and take a lot of interesting photos. The museum is very popular among the youngest guests of the city.
Kalamata is the most big city southern Peloponnese. After the tiny towns of this region, Kalamata shocks with its “metropolitan character”. The city has long successfully exported olives and figs from the Mesinskaya plain for sale and flourished under the Turks as a center of trade, then became one of the first liberated Greek cities - back in 1821, where, five months later, the first newspaper printed in Greek was published earth and in Greek. In 1986, however, Kalamata found itself near the epicenter of a major earthquake.
And only due to the fact that the earthquake occurred at the very beginning of the evening, when almost no one was in the houses, there were few casualties. The earthquake destroyed many buildings from the face of the earth. The scale of the destruction is partly explained by the fact that several underground rivers flow under the city, but, probably, the builders are also to blame: in the 1960s, when a lot of construction was being done, they turned a blind eye to compliance with rules and regulations. As a result, the city fell into decay, and only recently managed to restore its former economic power.
If you need to leave as soon as possible, arrive in Kalamata early so you have time to make inquiries. From the center to the bus station it is about a kilometer. There are regular flights from Kalamata to Megalopolis, and this is the northern direction, to the west buses go to Messini, Koroni and Pylos. The excellent route through Taygetos to Sparta has two daily services, and four regular buses run daily in the direction of Kardamyli, Stoupa and Itilo (with a stop at Areopolis).
Buses to Tripoli and Argos leave from the Arcadia bus stop 200 meters down the road. Local bus number 1 (tickets can be purchased directly on the bus) starts from Platia 23 Martiu, 600 meters from bus station, and goes south through the center along the long promenade of Navarino and the beach to Filoxenia Beach Hotel. The railway station is 200 meters west of the Konstantin Diadohnou platia, on Franzi. From Kalamata you can get to Kyparissia (and ultimately to, with a possible stop at), other trains head inland.
Airport – located 9 kilometers along the highway to Messini and Koroni, buses going in these directions stop at the entrance. During the season there are four charter flights from , all on Sundays. There is an ATM at the airport that changes currency and, when there are flights, there is a tourist office that can help you with hotel arrangements. The EOT Tourist Office is located on the top floor of the building at Polivriou 6, near the top of Aristomenus.
Drivers travel through Kalamata on the road between Mani and Arcadia, or from the east, following the south signposted road through the city, along Kriris, Lykourgos and Artemidos, and then along the western ring road (parts of which have tram tracks). Drivers heading to/from Sparta must brave the narrow, crowded streets of the northern part of the city.
Where to stay in Kalamata
There are few middle-class hotels in the city center, there are many more hotels on the embankment, there are also very expensive ones, but it seems that more attention is paid to the reception area than to the sleeping quarters, and it can also be noisy. Despite this, they tend to fill up in the afternoon, and unless you go early, especially on weekends, you may have to look around for accommodation.
1). Akti Taygetos Hotel– Luxurious rooms and studios, large and attractive garden by the sea, swimming pool, disabled access. About 5 kilometers outside the city to the southeast. Location: Mikra Mandinea;
2). Hotel Flisvos– On the embankment, next to the Church of Ayia Anastasi. Quiet comfortable rooms. Location: Navarinu 135;
3). Hotel Fotint– Spacious apartments with kitchens, mosquito screens and private parking, within reach of the beach and the road to Areopolis. Breakfast 6 €. Location: Verga;
4). Hotel George– Same management as the larger Vyzantio hotel and the same good quality. Very close to the train station and bus stops, but noisy. Location: Frandzi 5;
5). Hotel Haikos– Modern hotel with pleasant rooms, air conditioning and helpful staff. Location: Navarinu 115.
The closest campsites are at the eastern end of the beach, in Verga. The first, at a distance of about 3 kilometers along the coast - Elite (April-October) on Navarina 2, for expensive hotel with the same name, whose restaurant and swimming pool are open to those staying at the campsite. Maria (also known as Sea and Sun) is a popular and welcoming campsite 1 kilometer along the road to Agia Zion, which is located in front of the beach. However, if possible, it is best to travel west to Petalidi or southeast to Kardamili and Stupa for camping.
Sights of Kalamata
Few visitors plan to stay here for a long time, but if you are already fed up with traveling and want to relax, then Kalamata is very suitable for this. There are many taverns along the waterfront. A twenty-minute walk from the center is the Castro (Monday-Friday 8:00-14:00, Saturday and Sunday 9:00-15:00, free admission). The fortress, built by the Franks, was then destroyed and rebuilt by the Turks and Venetians; the earthquake caused minor damage to Castro; concerts are held in the amphitheater near the fortress in the summer.
A little further south, on Polizoglu 6, is the magnificent Benakion Archaeological Museum (Tuesday-Sunday 8:30-15:00), the exhibition is modest, but orderly and labeled. The museum houses a collection of funerary reliefs, sculptures and smaller objects found in the area around the city, as well as colorful Roman mosaics from Desilla. Nearby is the Historical and Ethnographic Museum (Tuesday-Saturday 8:30-13:00, Sunday 10:00-13:00; 2 €) on Agios Ioannou 12 and Kyriakou, behind the church of Agios Ioannis. Kalamata beach on the Navarino promenade is a 10-minute ride by bus number 1 south from the center; in the central part it is always crowded.
There is also a sand and pebble beach, but it stretches east to the popular gay area in Verga, right behind the Filoxenia Beach Hotel. If you prefer to wander from the center to the harbour, it's a thirty-minute walk down from Aristomenus - in a park that runs along the narrow end of the street, you can wander and admire the old engines, carriages and mechanics of the open-air Railway Museum (free entry). Graffiti is not encouraged, but any visitors can, like local children, freely climb on the exhibits. It is held here International festival dances, its location in the city changes every summer (information on Kessari 6; tickets 20-23 €).
Food and drink in Kalamata
During the summer months the most good restaurants are located in the western harbor, near the bay and the yacht pier, but you will have to walk through some unattractive backyards: abandoned warehouses, workshops, silos, and so on. And the old city center gives restaurants the opportunity to expand only in winter. Opposite the bus station there are several cafes, and on the Navarino embankment there are countless cafes, bars, gelaterias (ice cream parlours) and other taverns. There are also many good cafes on the wide central plateau of Konstandinou Diadohnou, they are pleasant and not as noisy as the coffee shops on the Navarino promenade. In bars in Frandzi and nearby railway station always crowded, the most popular is Sathmos.
1). Cafe Katofli– Nearby is a pier for yachts and pleasure boats. In summer there are tables outside, a huge selection of dishes. Location: Salamnos 20;
2). Kioupi Restaurant– Unusual interior, cooked in clay pots. Fish, mezedes, mayirefta. Location: Alexiki 52 (near the highway to Areopolis);
3). Restaurant Krini– Residents of nearby houses go to the establishment almost all year round: fish, wine, and there is a harbor with yachts nearby. Location: Evangelistrias 40;
4). Cafe Petrino– Good selection of mezedes, you can have breakfast here in the morning. Location: Navarinu 93;
5). Restaurant Pyrofani– The restaurant offers views of the harbor. Large selection of meat and vegetarian dishes, good local wine. Location: on the corner of the embankment;
6). Restaurant Tambaki– Huge selection of dishes, delicious food and cheerful service, close to the sea. Location: Navarinu 91.
Neighborhoods of Kalamata (Ancient Messene)
Ancient Messene (now Itomi), of which only ruins remain, was located 30 kilometers northwest of Kalamata and 22 kilometers north of today's Mesene. Antique city was the fortified capital of the Messenians and gained fame throughout Ancient world, above all, excellent defensive fortifications. The ruins occupy a considerable area; you can see huge walls, towers and gates. On the spurs of Mount Itomi (800 meters) the cute little village of Mavromati is nestled.
From the top there is a beautiful panorama of Messinia and South. If you want to stay overnight to admire the sunset from the site where the Temple of Zeus once stood, you can rent a room in the village. It is not easy to get to this place only if you are by car. From Kalamata the bus runs only twice a day - early in the morning and at the very beginning of the evening. But if you are by car, you can stop in western Messinia or Arcadia along the way.
Archaeological sites of Messene
The Messenian fortifications were conceived as the southernmost link in a defensive chain of walled fortified cities (others: Megalopolis and), which, according to the plan of the Theban leader Epaminondas, were supposed to hold back the onslaught of the Spartans. Having managed to stop her by defeating her army in the battle of Leuctra (near the Stupa) in 371 BC, Epaminondas began to build a fortification, the walls of which were 10 meters high and 9 kilometers long (the walls stood for 750 years), in addition, he restored the acropolis.
The Messenians, who had resisted the advancing Spartans since the 8th century BC, wasted no time and restored their capital, according to the chronicles, in 85 days. The most interesting thing is the Arcadian Gate in the north. The gate consists of an outer and an inner portal, separated by a circular courtyard built from stone blocks, precisely fitted to each other and without mortar. On both sides of the outer gate, the bases of which are still visible, there are two quadrangular towers, from which clouds of arrows rained down on the attackers.
The inner gate is a no less impregnable barrier: part of the structure was a huge monolith, half of which survived. On the paved ancient road inside the gate, ruts are still visible, carved out over the centuries by countless chariots. To the south, just beyond Mavromati and signposted Itomi, is the main archaeological site (summer Tuesday-Friday 8:00-19:00, Saturday and Sunday 8:30-17:00, winter Tuesday-Sunday 8:30-15:00, Free admission).
The sanctuary of Asclepius is surrounded by a courtyard with a portico: the bases of the columns and benches were recovered from the ground. Near the site they found either a theater or a meeting place. Excavations are currently ongoing. To explore other ancient monuments, you need to climb Mount Itomi: the climb will take 1 hour. The road passes by the ruins of the Ionic Temple of Artemis. At the top, on the site where the temple of Zeus stood, the ruins of the small monastery of Vulkanos, founded in the 8th century, have been preserved. And from the top you can see the lush and fertile valleys of Messinia.
Sights of Kalamata
The main symbol of Kalamata is the fortress. It is located on a hill and dominates the city, and the history of the structure dates back to the Byzantine period. But later changes were made by the Franks and Venetians. The latter installed their traditional symbol above the entrance - a bas-relief of a lion. The fortress was of strategic importance until the 19th century, and then was seriously damaged during the invasion of Turkish troops. Nowadays, tourists coming to Kalamata first go to the hill. From here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the historical city center. In summer, festivals and performances are held in the fortress.
photo: Dimitris Skigkopoulos
The Church of the Holy Apostles is another decoration of the city. It consists of two temples built 6 centuries apart. The first appeared in the 11th century, the second dates back to the era of Venetian rule (17th century). Despite serious damage during earthquakes, the church preserves unique Byzantine frescoes. In general, Kalamata has a lot of different cathedrals and churches - both historical and completely new.
photo: Maria Nikolakopoulou
The Kalamata Folklore Museum is of interest. It is located in the Kiriyaku Mansion and is divided into themed rooms. The ground floor contains everything related to rural life, traditional crafts and ceramics, as well as the life of the local population. The second floor is dedicated to printing - after joining Greece, the country's first printing house was opened in Kalamata.
In the center of Kalamata there is a unique park for Greece dedicated to railway transport. Here you can see old locomotives and take a walk at the same time. The park is popular among citizens as a place to relax.
The main museum for connoisseurs of Greek culture is the Archaeological Museum of the Messinia Region. Most of the artifacts are from Nestor's palace and excavations of ancient Messenia. There is a collection of ancient sculptures, ceramics, Byzantine frescoes, and jewelry.
Things to do in Kalamata
Kalamata will be a godsend not only for lovers excursion tourism, but also for active travelers. Several yacht clubs can be found along the coast. Both professionals and beginners will be welcomed here. Yachting routes lead to the Costa Navarino bay and the town of Pylos. Those who prefer walking on land should pay attention to the picturesque routes for walking excursions. There are many exciting trails near Kalamata. Along the way you will encounter the remains of medieval castles, Byzantine churches, gorges and, of course, lush olive groves.
photo: Argyris Angelopoulos
You can't miss the beaches of Kalamata and its surroundings. Tourists with children will find their paradise in the fishing village of Finikunda. The sandy coastline is ideal for a family holiday. There are conditions for snorkeling and fishing, and in the evening the coastal restaurants are filled with different people. Some people choose a romantic dinner, others prefer noisy bars.
photo: Dinos Christopoulos
The village of Stupa is located nearby. It is famous for the longest sandy beach in the Kalamata area. There is another beach nearby - a rocky one, the mere sight of which will take your breath away. When it comes to picturesque beaches, nothing can beat Kardamili. This idyllic place is chosen for a romantic getaway and watching sunsets.
Finally, Kalamata has all the conditions for a successful shopping experience. IN historical center collected largest stores. There are many souvenir shops here for those who prefer to buy original handmade items. There are good shops on Aristomenous Street. There are modern art galleries here where you can buy something unique.
Rebuilt after earthquakes and decline, Kalamata is confidently developing as a tourist center of the Peloponnese. And those who initially come here only for the best Greek olives, the city captivates with its architecture and mass of available entertainment.
