Choose from 3 Fun Things to Do in Kalamata
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Ithomi
Messene is a massive ancient city next to Mount Ithomi in the southwest of the Peloponnese, Greece. Ithomi is the name of the mountain that served as a natural fortress for the city. It was renamed Messene after a queen of the region. The area was once under the control of the Spartans and though it is less well-known than other sites, it remains one of the best preserved archaeological sites of ancient Greece.
Classic structures including the city walls and gates, and theater — as well evidence of daily life taking place in a once bustling metropolis: the agora, stadium, gymnasium, Asklepieion, sanctuaries and religious sites — are all very well intact. In addition, remnants of the ancient past from coins and pottery to art and sculpture have been excavated here. Until excavations began in 1895, most of the city lie buried under the earth, undisturbed and waiting to be discovered. No other settlement has ever been built on its site.
Classic structures including the city walls and gates, and theater — as well evidence of daily life taking place in a once bustling metropolis: the agora, stadium, gymnasium, Asklepieion, sanctuaries and religious sites — are all very well intact. In addition, remnants of the ancient past from coins and pottery to art and sculpture have been excavated here. Until excavations began in 1895, most of the city lie buried under the earth, undisturbed and waiting to be discovered. No other settlement has ever been built on its site.
Practical Info
Ithomi and the ancient city of Messene are located 30 kilometers from the city of Kalamata and are best visited by car. Set out for the modern city of Mavromati. The site is open daily and costs 4 euros to enter. Hours depend on the season.
Address: Messene, Greece
From $ 93
Mystras
Mystras is a fortified town located on Mount Taygetos in Peloponnese, Greece. Not far from ancient Sparta, the history of Mystras dates back to the 13th century. Over the years, it was alternately occupied by the Byzantines, Turks and Venetians before being abandoned altogether in the 1830s. In 1989, the ruins of Mystras, including the fortress, palace, churches and monasteries, were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The only remaining inhabitants of the town are the nuns at the Pandanassa convent.
One of the highlights of Mystras is the Palace of Despots, which is located at the top of the ruins, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The palace has been undergoing extensive restoration. Another important stop is the 14th century Church of Agia Sofia, which features marble floors and well preserved frescoes. The Cathedral of Saint Demetrius dates back to the 13th century and is home to a small museum of exhibits from ancient and medieval times. The cathedral may be best known as the place where the last Byzantine emperor was crowned in 1449.
One of the best surviving churches in Mystras is the Pandanassa convent, where nuns sell handmade crafts and sometimes offer cool drinks to visitors. Nearby is the Perivleptos Monastery, which dates back to 1310 and contains the most complete set of frescoes in the town. Also of note are the Byzantine Laskaris Mansion, the Vrondohion Monastery and the Church of Agios Theodoroi.
Practical Info
Mystras is located about a two and a half hour drive from Athens. It is also possible to get there by bus from Athens or Kalamata via the town of Sparti. Buses to Sparti leave from the Kifissos KTEL bus station in Athens and take three hours to reach Sparti. From there, catch another bus on to Mystras, just ten minutes away.
Address: Peloponnese, Greece, Greece
Hours: Open daily 8am-8pm
Admission: 5 Euro
From $ 92
Kalamata
If the name ‘Kalamata’ sounds familiar to you, you’re not alone — it’s a city in southern Greece from which Greek olives get their name. It is both the capitol of the region of Messinia and the second-largest city in the Peloponnese. With its preserved Old Town and a number of museums and galleries, the city maintains its rich cultural history. The ancient Greek author Homer described a city called Pharai, which is believed to have been where the Kalamata Castle stands today.
The name Kalamata is derived from an icon of the Virgin Mary known as the ‘good eye’ (kalo mata.) The icon was believed to be miracle-working, and today can be found in the inside the city’s cathedral, the Church of Ypapantis. Throughout the ages, Kalamata has suffered wars at the hands of the Ottoman Empire and earthquakes in as recent as 1986, though today it flourishes as an important port city.
The name Kalamata is derived from an icon of the Virgin Mary known as the ‘good eye’ (kalo mata.) The icon was believed to be miracle-working, and today can be found in the inside the city’s cathedral, the Church of Ypapantis. Throughout the ages, Kalamata has suffered wars at the hands of the Ottoman Empire and earthquakes in as recent as 1986, though today it flourishes as an important port city.
Practical Info
Kalamata is roughly a two hour drive from Athens. Once in the city, it is pedestrian friendly — though there are also bicycle and bus routes in town.
Address: Kalamata, Greece
From $ 93