Location
The mountainous Peloponnese peninsula is an 'island within the mainland' surrounded by water and connected to the mainland at just two points—to the east over the Corinth Canal and over the Rion- Antirion Bridge to the north.
The area contained several cities important in antiquity such as Mycenae, Argos, Megalopolis, Sparta, Ellis, Messene, and Corinth. The region also contains the important ancient sites of Olympia (which regularly hosted Pan-Hellenic sporting games, notably the Olympic Games), Epidaurus, Isthmia and Nemea.
Kalamata, the capital and central port of Messinia, is the second most populous city of the Peloponnese peninsula, after Patras. Kalamata is located in the heart of the Messenian gulf in southern Peloponnese, near the ancient city of Farai. The natural beauty of Messinia with the indented shores, sandy beaches, forested mountains and fertile valleys, coexists with significant archaeological monuments.
Kalamata can offer the visitor images of breathtaking landscapes. Olive groves, the azure waters of the bay, churches with traditional architecture, rural buildings and ancient castles, everything stands under the whimsical Peloponnesian light of the mainland where the old encounters the new.
Kalamata introduces the traveler its rich history in every step of the way. Its fascinating cultural heritage which is the result of multiple influences over the years dating back before the Bronze Age, is captured everywhere around the old city.
There are so many sides to Kalamata and it is worth getting to know them all. Check out the fortified castle from the middle Ages, the renowned dance festival that attracts fans from all over Europe, the nunnery where traditional handkerchiefs are still made by hand, neoclassical buildings, 19th-century churches, fashion boutiques, art shops and traditional cafes. This city in the Peloponnese is chock full of surprises!
With the sea at its feet, for the most part, and the river Pamissos taking care of the irrigation of its fields and running through its smaller and larger villages, Messenia is an ideal destination for relaxation and having fun, for swimming at the sea-in its cosmopolitan or its smaller, more private beaches-or even for hiking.
Kalamata is ideal for spending the summer months there. Its sea is clean and safe-many of its beaches “Blue Flag” certified-give the visitor a sense of calm and joy. Its 13 Km coast is so diverse that it starts from sandy beaches-with very fine red or golden sand- going on shingle beaches-with small, colourful granules, pebbles or big white cobbles. One can always find a beach nearby, without an entrance fee, organized, with drinking water and shadow to rest. There really is a beach for every swimmer’s taste. Across the coast many cafes-some more traditional than others, ouzeris, taverns and contemporary restaurants can gratify every palate.
The history of Kalamata begins with Homer. The monuments of Kalamata include the Kalamata castle, which is a remnant of the Francocracy, and the byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles, built in 1050 ADor 1150 AD. In the latter started the Greek War of Independence, on 23 March 1821.
In Messenia one can find monuments of and museums dedicated to every Greek history era. The museums of Kalamata are the following:
- The Archaeological Museum of Messenia
- The Military Museum of Kalamata
- The Historical and Folklore Museum of Kalamata
- The Benakio Archaeological Museum of Kalamata
There is also a small museum, the only one of its kind in Greece, with the relics gallery of the modern Olympic Games, inside the Elite City Resort.
The tryouts for the first modern Olympic games of 1896 took place on the Frangolimna plaza.
The neoclassical buildings, built during the period 1880-1920, adorn the city.
Built in 1860, the historical church of Ypapanti is the metropolitan church of Kalamata and attracts pilgrims from all over Greece-and not only-throughout the year, but mainly on February 2, the day the church celebrates, even though it is winter.
Kalamata has a cycle lane, which allows for comfortable and safe transportation all around the city, thus improving the quality of life. Bicycles can be rented in shops, so that the visitors have this opportunity of a permanent resident.
Anyone visiting the place has the experience of living in a people-friendly organized city, away from the stress of modern life and ways. One can enjoy there the sun and the sea, make contact with nature and enjoy fresh fish and local produce of the Messenian land (such as oil, olives, figs, raisins, pasteli), some of which has an international reputation.
Another popular product amongst tourists are the silk scarves, as well as other works of the Holy Monastery of Kalogria and other local craft industries.
Unique Experiences
Archaeological Museum of Messenia
In the heart of the old marketplace in Kalamata town, surrounded by cobblestone streets, traditional cafés and ouzeris (a type of taverna that serves ouzo), the Archaeological Museum of Messenia welcomes you for a trip to the area’s long past; its exhibits date back to the ancient times, from prehistory (Bronze Age) all the way to the Byzantine Period. The items are arranged and displayed in a manner that will win your attention and whet your appetite to learn more about the area’s history and culture.
Source: archaeologicalmuseums.gr, visitgreece.gr
Ancient Messini
Is an immense archaeological site almost intact in time, founded by Epaminondas in 369 B.C., right after his victory over Spartans, as the capital city of the independent state of Messinian and flourished during the Macedonian and Roman years. The city was protected by an excellent fortification system consisting of a 9km long thick wall with four massive gates with two-storey watchtowers and battlements, along with an Acropolis. The stones used to make the surrounding walls of the city are not only surprisingly bulky but also so tightly arranged to make Ancient Messini considered as one of the finest examples of military architecture of the 4th century BC, also explaining how the whole defensive system is so well maintained. Within the premises of the ancient city lies the Temple of Asklipios and its Conservatoire as a place of rhetorical demonstrations and assemblies, the Temple of Artemis, the Sanctuary of Zeus where the is statue as a child was found, a couple of theatres and a stadium, all wait for you to visit and admire the long history of the area.
Source: Wikipedia
Pylos
A tranquil town with long history, wonderful views, some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts around the country with excellent ho spitality and congress facilities, is definitely a must visit destination in Messinia.
Situated in Navarino Bay, where the famous Battle of Navarino in 1827 took place, looking out to the Isle of Sfaktiria, is a great spot for a harbourside stopover at some of the traditional taverns or cafes, right next to 19the century beautiful mansions. The main square of Pylos, overlooking the harbor, with cannons and arched buildings is where the heart of the town beats.
To complete the picture of this unique town of Messinia, just a few kilometers away, right at the end of the coast is the widely known sandy beach of Voidokilia with an elliptical shape of striking beauty reaching a dune landscape, as well as Romanos beach.
Source: https://visit-pylos-nestor.gr
The castle of Methoni
On the SE Messinia, at the first leg of the Peloponnese peninsula, there are two beautiful little towns: picturesque Methoni overlooking the Ionian Sea and the island comlex of Oinousses, and colourful Koroni, a place with insular atmosphere. Thanks to their strategic position, they have been important trade and marine centres.
Built by the Venetians in the early 13th century on a rocky promontory, the castle of Methoni is among the largest ones in the Mediterranean. You’ll be astonished at the bridge stone of 14 arches which connects the castle to the shore instead of the timber one that used to stand in its place before the Venetians ever got there. The celebrated symbol of Venice, the lion of St Marc, dominates the gate of the castle where immured reliefs, emblems, blazons, inscriptions, the huge gates –especially the main gate, above the moat – and the relics of two Ottoman bathhouses have survived.
Source: Wikipedia
The castle of Koroni
One of the finest examples of the Venetian fortress architecture and amongst the few of each kind to encompass houses and churches, the castle of Koroni dominates Akritas cape, on the southern edge of the Messinian Gulf. It was built by the Venetians in the 13th century and revamped by the Ottomans in the 16th.
Leaving the shore to walk uphill will feel like travelling back in time. Narrow passages will lead you to the gate of the castle. Cross it to find just a few inhabited of the many houses once seeking refuge from the pirates here. Apart from the breathtaking view to the Sea, in the castle you can see immured tombs and the church of St Sofia.
Source: visit Greece.gr
Near-by destinations
- The beaches at Verga (8 km E), Mikri Mandineia (10 km SE), Avia (12 km SE) and Kitries (17 km SE), which in recent years have developed into resorts with significant tourist facilities and a vibrant nightlife in the summer.
- The small town of Messini (11 km NW) with the Byzantine church of Agios Dimitrios, the prominent Municipal Mansion (1870) and the Τ. Katsoulidis – Museum of Carvings.
- The mountain villages on the Western slope of Mt. Taygetos, on the road to the city from Sparta, which is one of the most beautiful roads in Greece.
- Voidokilia Beach is possibly the most renowned beach in Messenia and one of the most exquisite beaches in whole Greece! The beach took its name from the word “Voufras”, which means “where the oxen live”. The beach is as remote as necessary, in order to remain “authentic” and intact by civilization! It is part of the Natura 2000 protected area. There is no organized activity in the area. The beauty of the beach is the ultimate payback for your visit! You should really let your body get lost among the sand dunes and your eyes wander in the beautiful images that the scenery ungrudgingly offers you! An excellent video of Voidokilia Beach can be found here.
- Kalamata is also near the archaeological sites of Mistras, Epidaurus and Ancient Olympia.
Informational Websites on Kalamata:
http://kalamatain.gr/new/
http://www.kalamatalive.gr/
http://www.kalamatajournal.gr/
http://www.kalamata.gr/
Videos:
Visit kalamata… visit beautiful Greece
Kalamata, the city of sun and culture
Καλαμάτα όμορφη πόλη – Beautiful Kalamata
Sources:
https://kalamata.gr/index.php/en/component/content/article/135-xartes/16146
https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/peloponnese/kalamata/
https://www.discovergreece.com/peloponnese/kalamata