THE THOMS SUNDAY TRAVEL SECTION.
Kalamata? Isn’t that an olive?
Yes, it is, and guess where it originally comes from?
Kalamata is in the southwest corner of the Peloponnese Peninsula under three hours drive from Athens.
Why would you visit Kalamata?
Well, the P.D.O. olives and olive oil are one reason.
It has an amazing coastline, historic villages, and ruins on just about every other hilltop.
And then, there are the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
That’s just the beginning.
Come, we are visiting Kalamata.
Visit Kalamata Town.
Kalamata’s Castle.
A rocky hill serves as an ancient acropolis dating from before the Trojan war. The ruins you see today date from the Frankish occupation circa the 13th century. In addition to its history, it also offers great views of the city.
The Metropolitan Church of Ypapanti.
The cathedral of Kalamata structure dates from 1873. It is home to the Theotokos icon, which may be from an earlier church. The icon shows burning on one side, possibly from a fire at a previous church on the site.
Historical and Folklore Museum of Kalamata.
A four-minute walk west of the cathedral, this small museum gives a great look into Kalamata in the old days. The collection, mostly from residents, shows a snapshot from a time gone by.
Archaeological Museum of Messinia.
A four-minute walk from the folklore museum is this interesting collection of ancient Messinia artifacts. In the old market building, the museum has three main themes, Messene, Kalamata, and the Pylia region.
Church of Agioi Apostoloi (Church of the Holy Apostles).
Kalamata is the first town to liberate itself at the beginning of the Greek War of Independence. Upon expelling the Ottomans, the local population gathers in front of this Church. Here, the Greeks make a formal declaration of independence and take an oath of loyalty to the revolution.
Orthodox Monastery of Saints Konstantinos and Eleni.
Dating from 1796, some people call it the Monastery of the Nuns as it has never been for monks. Near the altar, you can see part of a previous 13th-century church. In addition to their community hospitality work, they are also famous for their weaving. Using traditional looms, they sell their crafts to raise money for the monastery, including the local Kalamata scarf. The small Holy Temple of the Exaltation is in the monastery grounds.
Collection Greek Costumes “Victoria Karelia.”
This collection of traditional Greek costumes and jewelry is impressive. The displays show off the detail: a wonderful find and worth a visit.
Kalamata Municipal Railway Park.
To me, the highlight of the port area is this green space. Once the rail station and yard for the port area, today it is a park for train lovers. As you stroll the park, you can see the old station, train cars and engines, water towers, and more.
This open-air museum is the only one of its kind in Greece. Thomas likes the train.
Visit Kalamata Outside of Town.
South of Town.
Tower of Kapetanakis.
30-minutes south of town is this circa 1795 fortress. The building is for one family, it is still in good shape, considering. Also, it shows you that a man’s home is his castle.
Kardamyli.
A little further south is this charming village with several older sites. Many of the buildings are of stone. Take a walk through Old Kardamyli.
Troupakis-Mourtzinos Fortress.
This family complex dates from circa 1807. The family, members of the Society of Friends, would play a part in the revolution.
North Messinia.
Ancient Messene.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating from 369 B.C., is, for its age, in remarkable condition. At some point, the people desert the area instead of building upon it. This is one of the reasons it is in good shape.
The Ancient Theater.
Excavations point to a building period circa 300 B.C. Unfortunately, it later becomes a source of building materials for other structures.
The Bouleuterion.
Between the agora and the stadium sits the remains of the assembly and senate house chambers. The buildings surround a square courtyard where a temple or meeting room stood.
The Stadium and Gymnasium.
The Messene stadium, in my opinion, puts the more famous stadium at Olympia to shame. Measuring more than 600 feet in length, it is one of the best-preserved in Greece. In addition, parts of the adjacent gym are visible.
Archaeological Museum of Ancient Messene.
Adjacent to the archeological site, this small museum has an impressive collection of artifacts from the site.
The majority of the collection is in three rooms. In addition to statues, there are other relics.
West Messinia.
Mycenaean Palace of Nestor.
Dating from the 13th Century B.C., the palace is the home and administration center of King Nestor. He is an important character in the Homeric epics. Unfortunately, fire in the 12th century B.C. destroys much of the palace. However, restoration work continues. You can see the throne room and some of the apartments. In addition, some have bathtubs.
Fortaleza de Pilos. (Pylos Castle.)
The Ottoman Neokastro (new castle) fortress complex is impressive. Large sections of the walls and the massive castle are still in relatively good shape. The construction is amazing. Also, the structures have incredible details.
Methoni Castle.
Approximately 20 minutes south from Pylos on the west coast is this Venetian-built castle. Along with the castle on the east coast, these were the “Eyes of Venice’. Dating from circa 1200, this is actually a fortified city.
Koroni Castle.
45 minutes drive east is the other “Venetian Eye’. With this castle, the Venetians can see both peninsula coasts and guard their shipping route to Venice. The town is charming to walk around.
Further Afield in Messinia.
Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae.
Messinia’s other UNESCO World Heritage Site is approximately a two-hour drive north of Kalamata. Dating from the middle of the 5th century B.C., it is one of Greece’s most complete Doric temples. And it rarely has crowds. When you visit, see Kalamata and its surroundings.
Outside in Messinia.
In addition to the historical sites, the region has numerous natural sites worth seeing and exploring. Therefore, bring a swimsuit and walking shoes.
Polylimnio Waterfalls.
Less than an hour’s drive west of town is this small paradise. The walk from the parking area is not too strenuous, although it is over loose terrain on an elevation.
Ridomo Gorge.
East of town is this scenic gorge with limestone sides that can reach 180 feet high. In contrast, in one area, there is only six feet between the walls.
Navarino Bay.
This natural bay was the site of the Battle of Navarino. Here, the British, French, and Russian navies sink a large portion of the Ottoman Navy. In turn, this gives the Greeks an opening to revolt. Today, the town goes by the name Pylos. In addition to history, it has several natural sites.
The area offers swimming, beach walking, or climbing to the ruins of an old fort. This is one of my favorite beaches.
Visit Kalamata Beaches.
The beaches of Messenia are similar to other places in Greece. In other words, they range from white sand to rocky. Therefore, tennis shoes or aqua socks are usually a good idea.
Voidokilia Beach.
Northwest of Navarino Bay, this looks like a fantasy beach due to its shape. The area offers swimming, beach walking, or climbing to the ruins of an old fort.
Stoupa Beach.
Also, south of town, it makes a nice stop after exploring Kardamyli. If not for swimming, maybe for a cold drink.
Peroulia Beach.
This golden sand beach is popular with hotel guests in the area. It is just north of Koroni.
Visit Kalamata Summary.
I hope by now, you are ready to visit Kalamata and the Messinia Region.
Few cruise ships visit the area and a day is hardly enough time.
The food and hospitality alone are reason enough to visit Kalamata.
And not just by day, Kalamata is special at night.
Visit Kalamata and the Messinia Region and discover for yourself why I like this area so much.
Want to read more about Kalamata? Click here.
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“What is calling you to Messinia?
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“See the World” Continued on Page T3. “Taste the World” Continued on T11.