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NOT SO ANCIENT.
KALAMATA TODAY
SHOULD SEE KALAMATA.
NEARBY.
Kalamata is the land of the Kalamatianos, a popular Greek chain dance, and the P.D.O. Kalamata olives. You will find it in the southwestern part of Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula, in the Messinia prefecture. With 54,000 residents in the city, it is the second-largest Peloponnese town behind Patras. Another approximate 15,000 live in the municipality around Kalamata. Kalamata is the main administrative center and harbor for Messinia.
Kalamata in Mythology.
Pharis founded the ancient acropolis on the rock. Pharis is the son of Hermes, the herald of the gods. The city of Pherae (Farai or Fares) appears in Homer’s Iliad. It is one of the seven Mycanaen cities that Agamemnon offers to Achilles to appease his anger.
Kalamata probably comes from the old Greek Kalámai, referring to the reeds where the river meets the gulf. Some say it is from Kala matia, meaning “good eyes,” which may refer to an icon of the Virgin Mary.
Ancient Kalamata.
Before Kalamata, there was a Mycenaean presence here (1750–1050 B.C.) in Pylon (Pilos) to the west. The ruler of this area is mythological Nestor, who appears in the Illiad and Odyssey by Homer. The Palace of Nestor is in the best condition of Greece’s Mycenaean palaces.
A Mycenaean linear B tablet mentions a group, the Mezana, paying tribute to Pylon. Many believe these were the inhabitants of ancient Messene, to the north of Kalamata.
Messene (Messini.)
We know that there were inhabitants in Messene before the Greek Dark Ages. The Dark Ages occur between the Mycenaean palatial civilization and the Archaic age (circa 1100 to 750 B.C.) The collapse of civilizations will spread throughout Southeast Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. Unfortunately, minimal Greek history exists from this period.
Messene will come out of the dark ages and prosper due to its rich soil. It becomes an agricultural powerhouse, making it an area Sparta desires. The battles between Messene and Sparta are fierce. Sparta seizes Messene until circa 371 B.C. The army of Thebes (central Peloponnese) finally overcomes their Spartan overlords. They go on to help Messene do the same. Messene quickly builds fortification walls keeping future Spartan attacks at bay. The ruins you see today date from this period forward.
The first mention of Kalamata seems to be circa 750 B.C. The poet Homer describes the ancient city of Pherae (Firai). His description puts it just about where the Kalamata Castle stands today.
But there, the recording stops. There are very few ruins dating from 750 B.C. through 200 B.C. So Pherae probably remains a small trading port.
The Romans
When the Romans arrive circa 146 B.C., they improve the existing towns of the Peloponesse but do not expand. Thus, at Messene, you will find Roman structures, but many are rebuilds, not new structures that widen the city.
Civilization seems to end along an imaginary line running from Messene to Sparta. Pherae (Kalamata) is below this line.
Not So Ancient Kalamata.
Pherae remains rather unimportant during the Roman Empire and far into Byzantine times. It is not until the 10th-century A.D. that any written word of Pherae appears.
Five churches in the Kalamata area survive from circa 10-11th century A.D., indicating wealth and prosperity.
Bye Bye Byzantine
1204, and the Pope’s troops “accidentally” sack Constantinople during the bloody land-grab they call the Fourth Crusade.
The former Byzantine lands are up for grabs to whoever has the bigger army and bankbook.
Most of the Greek mainland and all of the Peloponesse goes to the Despotate of Epirus. He renames the Peloponesse as The Morea.
Here Come the Franks.
While the Despotate tries to rule from Northern Greece, the Frankish feudal lords sweep into the Peloponnese. Geoffrey of Villehardouin and William of Champlitte begin grabbing up towns. The Byzantine fortress at Pherae is in such disrepair that William claims it as part of the Principality of Achaea. He then makes himself prince, reporting to the King of Thessaloniki. He grants Kalamata and Messenia as a fief to Geoffrey. Circa 1209, William dies, making Geoffrey the Prince of Achaea.
With the help of Athens, Geoffrey expands the principality by defeating Corinth, Nauplia, Argos, and Thebes. In addition, he allows Venice free trade routes along the western shore, keeping them from attacking.
To rule the land, he sends to France for young knights who receive great baronies to defend Geoffrey.
When the Peloponnese churches refuse to provide military aid, Geoffrey I takes their properties. He uses the church’s income to build his impressive Castel Chlemoutsi (Tornese), northwest of modern-day Pyrgos. This, for some reason, does not please the church who will remain at odds with the prince. Circa 1218, the pope declares Geoffrey an enemy of God and excommunicates him.
Circa 1223, Geoffrey negotiates an accord with Pope Honorius III restoring church lands. However, he retains the treasures and furnishings, charging the churches an annual indemnity for their use.
The next year, Theodore Doukas, ruler of Epirus (northwest Greece), overthrows the King of Thessaloniki.
Out of the Frying Pan and Into…
Upon Geoffrey’s death, approximately three years later, his eldest son takes over. Within a year, the Bulgarian Tzar Ivan Asen II seizes Thessaloniki. This releases Geoffrey II from any responsibility to another kingdom. His reign is, for the most part, very popular with his people. He grants his younger brother William II the Barony of Kalamata.
Geoffrey II will side with Venice and the pope against the Greek Emperor of Nicaea, believing he is protecting Constantinople. Four years later, the pope will “accidentally” seize Constantinople under the guise of the Fourth Crusade.
When Geoffrey II dies without a male heir circa 1246, William becomes the fourth Prince of Achaea. He conquers the rest of the Morea (Peloponnese) that is not already part of his kingdom. This makes him the most powerful Frankish ruler in Greece.
By 1259, he joins forces with the ruler of Epirote against the Empire of Nicaea. The attack eventually fails, and William becomes a prisoner. However, he will trade Monemvasia and several other castles for his release.
Kalamata remains under his control until his death circa 1278. His widow, Anna, will remarry and exchange the kingdom with Charles I of Anjou for land elsewhere in Messenia.
Charles I of Anjou.
Charles has many titles, including the founder of the second House of Anjou. It is a branch of the French royal Capetian dynasty. Some other titles include Count of Provence and Forcalquier, the King of Sicily, and more. He will hold on to the Kingdom of Achaea until circa 1293 when two Melingoi (Slavic) officers capture the fortress.
In 1298, the town was part of the dowry of 6 y.o. Princess Matilda (Princess of Achaea). She marries Guy II de la Roche, Duke of Athens. When he dies nine years later, she marries Louis, a Capetian House of Burgundy member. Louis dies mysteriously circa 1316, with Matilda holding on to Kalamata.
John of Anjou, the youngest brother of Charles I, forces Matilda to marry him in 1318. Matilda refuses to surrender her rights to Achaea and enters a secret marriage to invalidate the marriage. John’s brother Philip I of Taranto strips her of Achaea and awards it to John.
Robert of Taranto.
With Philip of Taranto’s 1332 death, his son Robert of Taranto claims Achaea for himself. Not willing to swear his loyalty to Robert, John exchanges it for the Kingdom of Albania. Robert will marry Marie of Bourbon, but they will produce no children. Upon his 1364 death, his younger brother Philip II of Taranto becomes Prince of Achaea. However, Marie will claim jurisdiction until her 1377 death.
Through the execution of his cousin Charles, Phillip II adds the title King of Albania. He then marries Maria, the younger sister of the Queen of Naples. Johanna, the Queen, is the wife of Phillip’s older brother Louis.
With the 1364 death of Phillip’s brother Robert, he becomes the titular (title but no power) Latin Emperor of Constantinople.
Maria dies circa 1366, and Phillip marries Elizabeth of Slavonia 4 years later. As Phillip has no living children, he declares his nephew James of Baux as the universal heir.
When Phillip dies two years later, his sister-in-law Johanna claims herself the heir and banishes James. She leases the principality of Achaea to the Knights Hospitaller. James and his supporters attempt to regain Achaea but only have minimal gain until Johanna’s 1382 death. James will only live one more year, leaving no heirs.
After murdering Queen Joanna (Joan) of Naples and taking her place a year before, he seizes Achaea. But, unfortunately, things get rough for Charles. The pope suspecting Charles is plotting to overthrow him, excommunicates Charles and his wife.
Charles moves to Hungary, claiming the Hungarian throne for himself after Louis I of Hungary dies. He ousts Louis’ daughter Mary of Hungary, the rightful heir. Louis’s widow, Elizabeth, mother of Mary, assassinates Charles.
More Roulette.
All heck breaks out. Mary gets Hungary. Although Charles is no longer part of the church, his Italian heirs fight over the Kingdom of Naples.
This leaves the Principality of Achaea up for grabs. Five pretenders, none with a strong claim, clamor for the position for the next ten years. Finally, Peter of Saint Superan, leader of the Navarrese Company, declares himself Prince. And he has the blessing of Pope Urban VI. The Navarrese Company are mercenaries for hire. Their last employer is James of Baux. They make impossible demands on Jame’s heirs to prove their rights to the principality. When the heirs, fearing for their lives, cannot come up with the proof, they claim it for themselves.
Maria II Zaccaria succeeds her husband Peter (Pedro) upon his 1402 death. She acts as the regent to their young son. However, her nephew, Centurione II Zaccaria, overthrows Maria with the backing of the Kingdom of Naples.
He immediately makes enemies of his relatives, who side with the Despotate of Mystras. Remember William gives up Mystra and two other castles for his freedom years earlier. They attack Centurione, first taking Glarentza (1408), Achaea’s main seaport on the northwest coast. Using Albanian mercenaries, Centurione regains the port but makes more enemies while doing so.
Circa 1417, the Despot of Mystea (Morea), with the support of the Byzantine emperor, enters Archaea. They seize Messenia and Elis. Under a truce, Centurione gets to keep the medieval Feifdon of Arcadia on the western coast of the Peloponnese. Upon his 1432 death, it reverts to the Despot of Morea.
Rumblings to the East.
By 1453, Christian Constantinople falls to the Ottomans. Within five years, the Ottoman conquests reach the Peloponesse (Morea). The Ottomans seize all of the Morea except Monemvasia. They try for two years before moving on to the west and new lands to conquer.
In 1520, Suliman the Magnificent comes to power. He will grow the Ottoman Empire to its greatest limits.
By 1537, The Ottoman navy, under Barbarossa, seizes the last Venetian strongholds in the Aegean.
Ottoman Rule
The Ottomans will rule over the Peloponesse for approximately the next 200 years.
At first, those inhabitants not wanting to live under Turkish rule were able to leave.
Circa 1687, the Venetians retake Morea. They scramble to reorganize it, making Monemvasia the capital of the Laconia region.
But they do not have enough military to protect it.
At the end of 1714, the Ottomans send 70,000 troops to retake the Morea. Within nine months, they control the peninsula.
The Russians Are Coming
By 1760, the Ottoman Empire is spreading itself too thinly over much of southern and eastern Europe. As a result, they are not able to defend themselves well.
Russia seizes upon this and, starting in Poland circa 1768, starts collecting real estate.
The Russians have already been courting the Greeks, (well everyone from Venice southward) to rise against the Ottomans.
The Russians arrive in Kalamata in early 1770. They come, but without the troops, they were promising. Very quickly, mutual distrust develops between the Greek and Russian leaders.
With little help from the Russians, the Greeks split into two groups. One is in the east and the other in the west of the peninsula.
The Ottomans, needing all their soldiers on the Russian front, send Albanian mercenary troops to the Morea. They slaughter the rebels.
The Ottomans ask the Albanians to stay and police the area. When the Ottomans can not pay them, the Albanians start looting and massacring the towns of the Morea. With the end of the Russo-Turkish war, the Ottomans in the area become targets. It is not until 1779 that military forces push the Albanians out of the peninsula.
Striking The Match
With the end of the Russo-Turkish war, Russia gets something, the Ottomans get something, and the Greeks get nothing.
The Greeks are tiring of having someone over them. Disdain for the Ottomans and mistrust for the Russians continues to grow.
What rebels are still alive, launch small attacks. By circa 1814, the society of Friends (Filiki Eteria) forms to liberate Greece. The idea comes, in part, from the success of the French revolution a few years earlier.
The plan calls for multiple revolts across Greece on March 25, 1821.
When the Ottoman authorities discover the plan, rebels in the north begin their revolt on March 6. It is not successful, but it inspires others.
Greeks in the Morea (Maniots) declare war on March 17. They capture Tripolitsa, the Ottoman command in the Morea.
Kalamata is the first city the rebels liberate on March 23.
Unfortunately, by 1824, the Greek factions cannot agree and begin infighting among themselves.
At the same time, the Ottomans ask the Egyptians for soldiers. In exchange for land, the Egyptians agree.
The Egyptians land on the Peloponnese in February 1825. Within ten months, most of the peninsula is under their control. They destroy Kalamata, a center for rebel activity. When Athens falls in the next year, it looks like the Greek revolution is over.
The Plot Thickens
By 1927, Europe’s three Great Powers (Russia, Britain, and France) fear the Ottomans are growing in strength again.
They send their fleets to intercept the Ottoman-Egyptian navy at Navarino. Then, when the Ottomans do not step down, the Allies send their fleet to the bottom.
This turn of events energizes the revolutionaries.
With the Allies assisting, Egyptian troops withdrawal by 1828.
The 1830 Treaty of Constantinople recognizes Greece as an independent state.
Prince Otto of Bavaria becomes the first king of Greece by 1832.
However, that is the mainland and Peloponesse only. It will not be until 1948 and the end of WWII that all of today’s Greece will be one.
After the independence, they rebuild Kalamata into an important seaport.
World War II
Kalamata is one of the luckier locations in Greece during World War II. By the beginning of 1941, the Germans are swarming into the Peloponesse. In April, a battle between the German forces and the 2nd New Zealand Division occurs near the port. The forces from New Zealand help to slow the advancing Germans while Allied troops evacuate.
Although Germany eventually occupies all of Greece, the number of atrocities in Messinia is fewer than in other areas. This includes not using the ancient sites as targeting practice as they do in other areas of Greece.
Kalamata Today
Kalamata is a modern provincial capital and has the second largest population in the Peloponnese after Patras.
Agriculture is the largest industry. Important exports include the local raisins, P.D.O. olives, and olive oil. Fine tobacco products have also been a major export since the 1800s.
Unfortunately, this part of the Peloponnese is the last place visitors are exploring.
There is an airport with flights from Greece and other European cities. The drive, taking the shortest route from Athens, is less than three hours. It’s easier to reach than many islands. Perhaps it needs some more P.R.
Kalamata is the hometown of Greek musical superstar Yanni Chryssomallis.
What is in Kalamata for me?
See & Hear.
Kalamata is the gateway to all of Messinia. There are several impressive sites from ancient Greece, two with UNESCO status. Hike the gorges, walk the beaches and listen to life taking place all around.
Taste & Smell.
You could just nibble on Kalamata olives all day and be happy. But there are so many traditional dishes and the Kalamata wines to taste.
Feel.
Looking out over the city from the castle ruins, attending an olive oil tasting, or all of the above. While feasting on local products at breakfast, plan your day.
There may be better ways to start your day, but this one doesn’t suck.
Should See Kalamata.
Starting in Kalamata town at the top.
Kalamata’s Castle.
A rocky hill serves as an ancient acropolis dating from before the Trojan war. The Byzantines build a fortress circa 10th century A.D. The ruins you see today date from the Frankish occupation circa the 13th century.
The Metropolitan Church of Ypapanti.
The cathedral of Kalamata, the building dates to 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. The church is at the bottom of the castle hill.
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.
Kalamata’s Open Market.
A detour on Wednesday or Saturday mornings is the “new” market building. A ten-minute walk from the archeological museum (old market building) is this immersion into Kalamata life. Meats, cheeses, produce, and locals selling trinkets blend into a wonderful morning or progressive brunch.
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 the Church. They celebrate the first Greek Orthodox mass on free Greek territory in over 360 years. The Greeks then make a formal declaration of independence and take an oath of loyalty to the revolution. The 15th-century church is still in use and requires a modest dress code.
A. Tassos Municiple Gallery of Kalamata.
A two-minute walk from the church is this community art gallery. The collection is predominantly art and sculpture from the last 50 years.
Military Museum.
Another two-minute walk east is this interesting museum. The collection covers Kalamata’s (and Greece’s) history since the Greek Revolution, including the Italian and German occupation. Although the signs are mostly Greek, it is obvious what the subject is, and it is not happy. In addition, there is an excellent collection of weapons and uniforms.
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.”
Three blocks south of the military museum is this heritage museum. The collection of traditional Greek costumes and jewelry is impressive. The displays show off the detail: a wonderful find and worth a visit.
Kalamata Port. (Limani Kalamatas)
The harbor is predominantly a commercial port, although there are ferries to Pelagia and Githio. It does not have an unending line of cafes and shops. You can walk along the cement breakwater for views of the city. The views of the sunset over the mountains to the west are probably the best.
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. The main part of the park stretches for seven blocks. It is the only open-air museum of its type in Greece.
Vassileos Georgiou (King George) Square.
The main square of the town is a meeting place with numerous shops and cafes surrounding it. The square is actually rectangular, stretching several blocks. The square is an approximately 12-minute walk from either the Cathedral (north) or the Railway Park (south.)
Takis Katsoulidis Engraving Museum.
In the Messini neighborhood, west of the airport is this small museum of works by the local artist Katsoulidis. The collection, a gift from the artist, is predominately engravings. There are also a few paintings and other pieces.
South of Kalamata.
Tower of Kapetanakis.
30-minutes south of Kalamata is this circa 1795 fortress. Built for one family, it is still in good shape.
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.
The Troupakis-Mourtzinos family complex consists of three different enclosures. Dating from circa 1807, the family, members of the Society of Friends, would play a part in the revolution.
Shift (Observatory) of Demetreons.
On a hill south of the village is this watchtower for the nearby fortified homes. It is visible from the main road but appears to be on private property.
North of Kalamata.
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. This is a must-see in this area. Currently, they feel that only a third of the city is visible.
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. Circa 200 A.D., the Romans would do large-scale renovations.
Arsinoe Fountain.
Running between the agora and the theatre, this is one of the oldest structures of the city. Evidence points to it starting as a stoa circa 300 B.C. It would go through at least three restructures before ending as a water mill.
The Stoa of the Meat Market.
The agora also becomes building material. One of the few remaining sections is the Stoa of the meat market in the northeast corner of the agora. In addition, the foundation of several other stoae are visible.
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. There are also the remains of an odeon.
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.
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.
West of Kalamata.
Chora.
Just over an hour’s drive west of Kalamata is this charming village.
Archaeological Museum of Chora.
In addition to relics from the diggings of the Nestor Palace, the collection includes Mycenaean artifacts from around the region.
Mycenaean Palace of Nestor.
A short drive southwest of Chora is this fascinating Mycenean Palace archeological site. 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. Today, you can see the Throne Room and some of the 105 apartments, complete with bathrooms with a tub.
Vaulted Tomb in Voidokilia.
Dating from the Mycenaean period, it may be the tomb of Thrasymedes, son of King Nestor. The vault is on a hill overlooking the beach of the same name.
Fortaleza de Pilos. (Pylos Castle.)
Overlooking and protecting the Bay of Navarino, this Ottoman Neokastro (new castle) fortress complex is impressive. Large sections of the walls and the massive castle are still in relatively good shape.
Archaeological Museum of Pylos.
The museum’s current home is on the grounds of the Neokastro. The collection ranges from Neolithic to Roman times. Most of the items are from the local area, but some come from other parts of Messinia. The Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities museum may be moving from castle to a new museum in Piraeus. Check if it is still open if you are at the Pylos castle.
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. It will be 300 years before the first breach by the Ottomans. There is a museum on site.
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. Although not as large or as in good shape as Methoni, it helps visualize the Venetian fortifications. It is also on the way back to Kalamata.
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. It is out in the middle of nowhere which is why so much of it is remaining. In addition, they forgot about it for several hundred years. It is worth the drive either from Kalamata or in transit to Olympia to the north.
Outside in Messenia.
In addition to the historical sites, Messenia has numerous natural sites worth seeing and exploring.
Polylimnio Waterfalls.
Less than an hour’s drive west of Kalamata is this small paradise. Outside the village of Charavgi small pools in the Polylimnio Gorge spill into lower pools. The walk from the parking area is not too strenuous, although it is over loose terrain on an elevation.
Ridomo Gorge.
East of Kalamata is this scenic gorge with limestone sides that can reach 180 feet high in some places. However, in one area, there is only six feet between the walls.
Navarino Bay.
This natural bay was the site of the Battle of Navarino, the last naval battle at sea between sailing ships. However, most of them were at anchor during the battle. The British, French and Russian navies sink a large portion of the Ottoman Navy. This gives the Greeks an opening to revolt. Today, the town goes by the name Pilos.
The area offers swimming, beach walking, or climbing to the ruins of an old fort. This is one of my favorite beaches.
Beaches.
The beaches of Messenia are similar to other places in Greece. They range from white sand to rocky. 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. There is also the Mycenean Tomb from earlier. This is one of my favorite beaches. Combine it with a trip to west Messinia.
Kalogria Beach.
This small but pretty beach has all the services you need. However, there can be large crowds mid-summer. It is south of Kalamata.
Stoupa Beach.
Also, south of Kalamata, it makes a nice stop after exploring Kardamyli.
Peroulia Beach.
This golden sand beach is popular with hotel guests in the area. It is just north of Koroni.
There are numerous other beaches, depending on where you will be staying. Check with your accommodations to the best local spot.
Kalamata Summary.
Is this everything to see? Hardly. There are ruins on every other mountainside and hikes that can take days. But, hopefully, this is enough to show you that Kalamata and the Messinia area have a lot to offer.
You come to Messinia for the history, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are beaches, valleys, and mountains to explore.
Wine has been a staple for thousands of years, and there is the food. There are agricultural products with a P.D.O. status.
What’s not to like about Kalamata and Messinia?
Summer in Kalamata also hosts drama and dance festivals.
It’s time to visit Kalamata.