This partially interactive, child-friendly museum focuses on treasures found in four regions – Kalamata, Pylia, Messini and Trifylia. Exhibits include…
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Kalamata
Kalamata, famous worldwide for its olives, is Messinia’s capital and the second-largest city in the Peloponnese. Most travellers blitz through. Give it a chance and you'll discover a long beach, decent restaurants, good shopping, lively nightlife and some excellent museums.
Below the kastro (fort) is the small but attractive old town, which was almost totally destroyed by the Turks during the War of Independence, rebuilt by French engineers in the 1830s, then levelled again by an earthquake in 1986. The new town stretches south of here; after a couple of kilometres you reach the beachfront, lined with hotels and restaurants.
Explore Kalamata
- AArchaeological Museum of Messenia
This partially interactive, child-friendly museum focuses on treasures found in four regions – Kalamata, Pylia, Messini and Trifylia. Exhibits include…
- KKastro
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…
- MMuseum of Traditional Greek Costumes
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…
- HHistory & Folklore Museum of Kalamata
This quaint eggshell-blue building holds an exquisite collection of donated local artefacts – from tools and looms to household items and clothes – that…
- CChurch of Ypapantis
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…
- MMilitary Museum
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…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Kalamata.
See
Archaeological Museum of Messenia
This partially interactive, child-friendly museum focuses on treasures found in four regions – Kalamata, Pylia, Messini and Trifylia. Exhibits include…
See
Kastro
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…
See
Museum of Traditional Greek Costumes
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…
See
History & Folklore Museum of Kalamata
This quaint eggshell-blue building holds an exquisite collection of donated local artefacts – from tools and looms to household items and clothes – that…
See
Church of Ypapantis
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…
See
Military Museum
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…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Kalamata
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