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The southwestern corner of the Peloponnese has many attractions, from the peninsula's loveliest beaches to old Venetian towns, impressive castles and even underwater parks for divers.
Messinia’s boundaries were established in 371 BC following the defeat of Sparta by the Thebans at the Battle of Leuctra. The defeat ended almost 350 years of Spartan domination of the Peloponnese – during which time Messinian exiles founded the city of Messina in Sicily – and meant the Messinians were left free to develop their kingdom in the region stretching west from the Taÿgetos Mountains. Their capital was Ancient Messini, about 25km northwest of Kalamata on the slopes of Mt Ithomi.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Messinia.
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This partially interactive, child-friendly museum focuses on treasures found in four regions – Kalamata, Pylia, Messini and Trifylia. Exhibits include everything from sculpture, pottery and funereal objects found in tholos tombs (Mycenaean tombs shaped like a beehive) at Nestor's Palace, to Roman mosaics, gold jewellery and votive offerings. It provides wonderful context to the surrounding areas.
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Looming over the town is the 13th-century kastro (fort). Remarkably, it survived the powerful 1986 earthquake that levelled the city. The entry gate is its most impressive feature. Inside, the kastro is a lush haven of tranquillity and there are excellent views over Kalamata and beyond from the battlements. The fort has an interesting history, having been Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian and Ottoman at various periods. The Venetians burned it in 1540 before yielding it to the Turks, who did the same in turn in 1685.
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Opened in 2017, this stunning museum features a remarkable collection of Greek costumes that was donated by Victoria Karelia. Far from moth-eaten old hand-me-downs, the clothing showcases male and female folk dress from the 18th to 20th centuries in beautifully curated, dramatically lit exhibits.
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This quaint eggshell-blue building holds an exquisite collection of donated local artefacts – from tools and looms to household items and clothes – that offer a thorough insight into Kalamata’s bygone era.
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One for war buffs, this museum's displays depict Greek military history from the Turkish occupation to the Greek Resistance to Nazi occupation and 21st-century peacekeeping efforts through grisly paintings, photos, and ample displays of uniforms and weaponry. Most of the signs are in Greek, but cheerful young national-service recruits are on hand to give tours in basic English.
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Kalamata's massive 19th-century cathedral is home to the icon after which the town takes its modern name. Pilgrims visit for its miracle-working icon of the Virgin Mary known as kalo mata (good eye). The icon was discovered in the stables of the Ottoman aga (governor), who converted to Christianity as a result of the miracles it was believed to have performed.