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Kalamata
Kalamata is one of the most gifted cities in Greece, mostly thanks to its geographic position. Situated in the heart of the crystal-blue Messinian Bay and on the roots of the imposing Mountain Taygetos, it is a heaven for its inhabitants. Also, Kalamata is the ideal base for those who want to discover the secrets of Messinia, since it is situated in a central spot of the region and all the tourist and cultural destinations are not further than one hour in car.
Travel to Kalamata, visa requirements
Get around
Kalamata attractions and sightseeing
Historical Centre
The best starting point for sight-seeing around Kalamata is the city’s historical centre. Wandering in the alleys of the historical centre will revive images from the past and reveal buildings that have resisted time.
- Saint Apostles is a historic little church where the Greek Revolution against the long Turkish occupation was declared on March 25th 1821. This little church was built in 1317 by Emperor Andronicus and its presence affects magically those who are familiar with its history.
- Mpenakeio Archeological Museum (Papazoglou 6), is a beautiful building of venetian type built in 1742, where many interesting archeological findings are exhibited, including a mosaic from Koroni that represents scenes from the worship of God Bacchus.
- The Municipal Library (Papazoglou 5) houses works of art that were donated after the destructive earthquake of Kalamata in 1986. These pieces manifest the sensibility of people who can see rebirth from disaster.
- The Historical and Folkloric Museum of Kalamata (Kyriakou and Ag.Ioannou 20) is housed in a small restored building. Visitors can see objects that date back to the Revolution of 1821, as well as information and details about the agricultural and productive life of Messinian inhabitants during the last century.
- The Temple of the Visitation of the Saviour, built in the 19th century in a Byzantine style, is a grandiose temple dedicated to the city’s protector.
- Municipal Conservatoire. Located on the steps above the temple and host for music events organised almost every weekend.
- Castle of Kalamata. The castle is even higher up, on a piny hill overlooking the sea. Built in 1208 by Gulielme Villearduin, it has inspired Aggelos Terzakis’s novel about Princess Izampo who had lived in the area. At the feet of the castle there is the semi-cavernous temple of Saint John that probably exists since post-byzantine years. It is said that the citadel of Ancient Pharai was situated below the castle.
- In the women’s monastery of Saints Constantine and Helen, built beside the castle in the 18th century, you will also learn about the still-going byzantine tradition of weaving pure animal silk on “lakkoi” (looms).
The Centre
Just below the historical centre is the city centre.
- Aristomenous is the city’s main street with the large square. Home to numerous shops and cafes, it's worth a stroll just to enjoy the ambiance.
- Pantazopouleio Cultural Centre, in the middle of Aristomenous, always has exhibitions, speeches or shows taking place.
- The railway park, at the end of Aristomenous street, is a pleasant surprise. It is the only open museum of this kind, where train engines and train cars of different time periods are placed in harmony in a green landscape. This place is a recreation ground for children and adults.
The Coast
Below city centre is the coast area. In the summer, the coast of Kalamata bustles with life, both during the day when the long coastline fills with bathers and in the night, when young people fill the places of night entertainment.
- The port of Kalamata was once the centre of of the town's commercial and industrial development, when it used to connect all the Mediterranean centres.
- The beach to the west of the port has numerous sail ships anchored.
- Navarinou street, to the east of the port, is the “coast” for the locals and the citizens’ resort; any time of the day and night you will see groups of people strolling and talking by the sea.
City tours
Shopping, Kalamata souvenirs
- Learn more about the local products of Messinia while wandering through the historical centre, visiting the small shops that buy their merchandise exclusively from local producers.
- In the city centre, Aristomenous (the main street with the large square) and the streets crossing it are home to numerous shops offering everything you might need.
Good restaurants and cheap meals
- The cafeterias along Aristomenous are countless and full of life, with many people enjoying their warm ambiance in the winter or sitting on the chairs at the square during the sunny summer days.
Kalamata nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Get out
You'll find attractive scenery no matter which way you head from Kalamata.
- To the southeast is Mani (second leg of the Peloponnese), where the woody coastal places of Messinian Mani pass the baton to the steep, rocky and fascinating coastal landscape of Lakonian Mani.
- To the southwest (first leg of the Peloponnese), you'll reach Koroni, Methoni and Pylos with their famous attractions.
- Crossing Kalamata towards the North and heading to Sparti, you will enter the magnificent world of Taygetos, the roof of Kalamata. Taygetos is the biggest challenge for lovers of mountain, trekking and climbing. Imposing and full of contradictions, with slopes, canyons, caves, sources, rivers and rich vegetation alternated with steep rocks, it magnetises the bold ones who will dare to explore it.
- The Ancient Messini is a few kilometres outside Kalamata, in the Municipality of Ithomi. It's a recently-discovered archeological site that astonishes visitors with its expanse and good condition; in fact, it is considered the best preserved archeological site.
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