With the sea at its feet, for the most part, and the river Pamissos taking care of the irrigation of its fields and running through its smaller and larger villages, Messenia is an ideal destination for relaxation and having fun, for swimming at the sea-in its cosmopolitan or its smaller, more private beaches-or even for hiking.
The capital of the Messenian county, Kalamata -just two and a half hours away from the Greek capital, Athens- is ideal for spending the summer months there. Its sea is clean and safe-many of its beaches “Blue Flag” certified-give the visitor a sense of calm and joy. Its 13 Km coast is so diverse that it starts from sandy beaches-with very fine red or golden sand- going on shingle beaches-with small, colourful granules, pebbles or big white cobbles. One can always find a beach nearby, without an entrance fee, organized, with drinking water and shadow to rest. There really is a beach for every swimmer’s taste. Across the coast many cafes-some more traditional than others, ouzeris, taverns and contemporary restaurants can gratify every palate.
( http://www.blueflag.global/ )
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The history of Kalamata begins with Homer. The monuments of Kalamata include the Kalamata castle, which is a remnant of the Francocracy, and the byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles, built in 1050 ADor 1150 AD. In the latter started the Greek War of Independence, on 23 March 1821.
( http://www.incity.kalamatain.gr/index-2.html?xml=church-agioi-apostoloi.xml electronic tour on the inside of the Church)
In Messenia one can find monuments of and museums dedicated to every Greek history era. The museums of Kalamata are the following:
- The Archaeological Museum of Messenia
- The Military Museum of Kalamata
- The Historical and Folklore Museum of Kalamata
- The Benakio Archaeological Museum of Kalamata
http://www.kalamata.gr/katoikoi/politismos/mouseia.html
There is also a small museum, the only one of its kind in Greece, with the relics gallery of the modern Olympic Games, inside the Elite City Resort.
(http://www.elite.com.gr/en/home/elite-hotel-kalamata)
The tryouts for the first modern Olympic games of 1896 took place on the Frangolimna plaza.
The neoclassical buildings, built during the period 1880-1920, adorn the city.
Built in 1860, the historical church of Ypapanti is the metropolitan church of Kalamata and attracts pilgrims from all over Greece-and not only-throughout the year, but mainly on February 2, the day the church celebrates, even though it is winter.
Kalamata has a cycle lane, which allows for comfortable and safe transportation all around the city, thus improving the quality of life. Bicycles can be rented in shops, so that the visitors have this opportunity of a permanent resident.
Anyone visiting the place has the experience of living in a people-friendly organized city, away from the stress of modern life and ways. One can enjoy there the sun and the sea, make contact with nature and enjoy fresh fish and local produce of the Messenian land (such as oil, olives, figs, raisins, pasteli), some of which has an international reputation.
Another popular product amongst tourists are the silk scarves, as well as other works of the Holy Monastery of Kalogria and other local craft industries.
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