Kalamata, the capital and central port of Messinia, is located at the site of ancient Farai. Following independence from the Turks and thanks to the exploitation of the fertile Messinian lands (producing olive oil, raisins, figs etc), it developed into a wealthy urban centre and a significant port. It is located 238 km SW of Athens.
Between the peaks of Mt Taygetos and the Gulf of Messinia, Kalamata has developed a cult following by those who have discovered it.
Arriving in Kalamata by plane or car, you may well be on your way to Mani, but why not stay a while and get caught up in its charms? Magnificent Mt Taygetos towers above a city that boasts modern cafes, beach bars, restaurants, hotels, markets, historic buildings, a port, a summer dance festival and a pulsating nightlife.
The capital of Messinia, knows just how to enjoy itself.
There are so many sides to Kalamata and it is worth getting to know them all.
Check out the fortified castle from the Middle Ages, the renowned dance festival that attracts fans from all over Europe, the nunnery where traditional handkerchiefs are still made by hand, neoclassical buildings, 19th-century churches, fashion boutiques, art shops and traditional cafes. This city is chock full of surprises!
City Sights
Castle of Isabaeu
The point of reference par excellence in the city of Kalamata is the legendary “castle of Isabeau” where the renowned International Dance Festival takes place annually.
It is amphitheatrically constructed on the site of the Farai acropolis offering a bird’s eye view of the city.
Constructed in the 13th century by William Villehardouin, it underwent subsequent additions and conversions by the Venetians and the Turks. Nowadays, it is an ideal open air venue for theatre, music and dance shows.
Old City
The exquisite Palia Poli (Old City) at the foot of the Castle is so beautiful. The wider region boasts the Metropolitan Panagia Ipapanti church (1873), the patron saint of Kalamata celebrated on February 2nd, the 12th century Kalograion Monastery with the renowned silk weaving workshop, and the Byzantine church Agioi Apostoloi (13th century) with the brick enclosed masonry. The area is the hotspot for the city’s youth, for it is the beating heart of the nightlife in Kalamata and by no means will it be still!
Μetropolitan Church of Ypapanti
In the historical center of the city of Kalamata, below the castle of the Villardouins, in the homonymous square is the Metropolitan Church of the Ypapanti of Sotiros. It is a characteristic building of the city, founded on January 5, 1860 and inaugurated on August 19, 1873.
The Church of Ypapantis of Sotiros is a church built in a cruciform inscribed type with a large dome and narthex, and it also has double spires. In the earthquakes of 1886 and 1986, the temple was seriously damaged, but both times it was fully restored.
Among the most important points of the church is the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, the so-called "Panagia Ypapanti", who is the protector and patron of Kalamata.
Seaside of Kalamata
The seaside road in front of the city’s extensive beach (4 km length with marvellous waters). On the seaside of Kalamata, people can swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy lace-like beaches, which have been granted the Blue Flag award of quality. Along the seaside, there are several tavernas, ouzo restaurants, cafeterias, bars, clubs, whereas beach aficionados can enjoy all kinds of water sports.
The western beach with the city’s marina connected to the city centre via a cycle lane too.
Archaeological Museum of Messenia
The Archaeological Museum of Messenia is located in 3, Agiou Ioanni street. The museum is built on the site of the city's old market hall. Among else its collection includes the finds which were formerly kept in the Benakeion Archaeological Museum of Kalamata, a remarkable 1742 building of Venetian architecture which collapsed during the 1986 earthquake. The new museum holds antiquities from Messenia from prehistoric and Mycenaean times to the Byzantine and Latin eras, divided along the four geographic areas that traditionally made up Messenia: Kalamata, Messene, Pylia and Triphylia.
Municipal Railway Park of Kalamata
The Municipal Railway Park of Kalamata is an outdoors museum of great interest, for the added reason that it is the only one of its kind in Greece. Its plan had already been completed by 1986, the destructive earthquake of that year, however, set its opening a few years back.
The Park is very close to the city center and takes up a total expanse of 54 acres.
Here the visitor will find a plethora of railway exhibits, which were kindly provided mainly by the Hellenic Railways Organisation. The area has a lot of green, making it an ideal recreation park, with sports facilities, a playground and refreshment room.
Despite the fact that in the past the Railway Park was a very popular destination for young and old alike, today it looks almost abandoned, which means that it doesn’t attract as many visitors. From time to time new plans arise for its maintenance and further utilization, the realization of which would be a great occasion for the surrounding area.
Kalamata Gallery of Modern Greek Art
If you consider yourself an art lover, then you are going to love the Gallery of Modern Greek Art.
It’s a gallery that includes works of many different artistic styles, such as Impressionism, Expressionism, the Munich School, Abstraction, the 1930’s Generation. It’s all at your disposal, represented by world-renowned Greek artists.
The Gallery was founded in 1962 and it’s housed on the fourth floor of the Kalamata Cultural Center (photo). Thus, its location increases the cultural symbolism for your experience.
Important Exhibits:
Works of Nikos Eggonopoulos, Alekos Fassianos, Giorgos Roilos, Spyros Vikatos, Nikos Hatzikiriakos-Gikas, Kostas Tsoklis, Dimitris Mytaras, Giannis Tsarouhis, Giannoulis Halepas, and many more.
Don’t Miss:
The cultural treasures of Kalamata
USEFUL INFORMATION
- USEFUL TELEPHONES
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EMERGENCY CALL 112
FIRST AID 166
POLICE 100
FIRE DEPARTMENT 199
RED CROSS KALAMATA +30 27210 87737
KALAMATA GENERAL HOSPITAL +30 27210 46000
KALAMATA BUS STATION (ΙΝFORMATION – TICKETS OFFICE) +30 27210 22851
KALAMATA RAILWAY STATION +30 27210 95056, 1110
RADIO TAXI KALAMATA +30 27210 26565
KALAMATA PORT AUTHORITY +30 27210 22218
INFORMATION FROM PRHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION +30 27210 22323 - KALAMATA HOTELS
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PHARAE PALACE HOTEL +30 27210 96000
ELITE CITY RESORT +30 27210 22434
HOTEL OSTRIA +30 27210 23849
COMFY BOUTIQUE HOTEL +30 27210 90128
CITY CENTER HOTEL +30 27210 86824