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Introducing Kalamata
Kalamata is Messinia’s capital and the second-largest city in the Peloponnese. Compared to its more peaceful surrounds, it is a less inspiring destination for visitors, but museum lovers will be sated. Built on the site of ancient Pharai, the city takes its modern name from a miracle-working icon of the Virgin Mary known as kalo mata (good eye). It was discovered in the stables of the Ottoman aga (governor), who converted to Christianity as a result of the miracles it performed. The icon now resides inside the city’s oversized cathedral, the Church of Ypapantis.
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In front of the kastro is the small, but attractive, old town, which was almost totally destroyed by the Turks during the War of Independence and rebuilt by French engineers in the 1830s. On 14 September 1986 Kalamata was devastated by an earthquake; 20 people died, hundreds were injured and more than 10,000 homes were destroyed.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
