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.

• Benakei Archeological Museum (Papazoglou 6), is a beautiful building of the Venetian type built in 1742, where many interesting archeological findings are exhibited, including a mosaic from Koroni that represents scenes from the worship of 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 read detailed information 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 has probably existed since the post-Byzantine years. It is said that the citadel of Ancient Pharai was situated below the castle.

• In the nunnery of Saints Constantine and Helen', built beside the castle in the 18th century, you will also learn about the ongoing Byzantine tradition of weaving pure silk on “lakkoi” (looms).

The Centre

Just below the historical centre is the commercial centre.

• Aristomenous is the city’s main street with alarge 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 the 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 clubs* The port of Kalamata was once the centre of of the town's commercial and industrial development, when it used to connect to all the Mediterranean centres.

• The marina to the west of the port has numerous sailing ships anchored.
• Navarinou street, to the east of the port, is the “coast” for the locals and the citizens’ resort; at any time of the day and night you will see groups of people strolling and talking by the sea.

• 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.

• 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.
• O Tzimis, At St. Apostles Church square, ☎ 2721023999. Best souvlakia and gyros in Kalamata at this stand across from the church of the revolution in the square! 1.10euro.  edit