Kalamata

1. Old Town

• Where is Palia Poli located?
  • Palia Poli is situated at the foot of the castle, north of the modern city of Kalamata.
• What is the historical development of Palia Poli?
  • The settlement began at what was the acropolis and grew down towards the sea.
• Did Palia Poli suffer from earthquakes?
  • Most of the buildings in the Old Town escaped damage from the earthquakes of 1886 and 1986.
• What attractions are found in Palia Poli?
  • Narrow alleyways divide the houses, churches, and museums.
  • The cathedral, Independence Square of March 23, the Folklore and Archaeological museums, and several boutique shops provide daytime activities.
  • The restaurants and tavernas light up the nights, making it a drawcard for the local youth.

2. Archaeological Museum of Messenia

• Where is the Archaeological Museum of Messenia located?
  • The Archaeological Museum of Messenia is situated in the historic center of Kalamata.
• What was the site of the museum before it was built?
  • The museum was built on the site of the old municipal market, which had to be demolished after being damaged by the earthquake of 1986.
• What are the thematic areas of the museum?
  • The museum has four thematic areas corresponding to the ancient provinces of Trifylia, Messene, Kalamata, and Pylia.
• What time period does the museum's timeline cover?
  • The timeline of the museum stretches from the Neolithic era, through the Bronze Ages, the Geometric Periods, to the early Byzantine era, spanning from 4000 BC to 1200 BC.
• What can visitors purchase at the museum?
  • The museum shop, located in the foyer, sells books and copies of the artifacts.

Benaki & Agiou Ioannou St., 24100 Kalamata, Phone: +30-27-21-02-62-09

3. Kalamata Dance Festival

• When is the Kalamata Dance Festival held?
  • The Kalamata Dance Festival is held over 10 days in July.
• Who instituted the Kalamata Dance Festival?
  • The festival was instituted by the Kalamata International Dance Center in 1995.
• Where was the Kalamata Dance Festival traditionally held?
  • Traditionally, the events were held at the ruins of the castle, but now it takes place throughout the city, with the festival's base in Zuboulio Mansion.
• What are the objectives of the Kalamata International Dance Center?
  • The Center aims to promote international and national contemporary dance through research, education, creativity, and activities.
• What types of events are held during the Kalamata Dance Festival?
  • The festival includes workshops on acting and dance, along with parallel events such as photo exhibitions, film shows, and live music performances.

6, Pan. Kessari street, 24100 Kalamata, Phone: +30-27-21-08-30-86 & 908-86

4. Agora - Central Food Market

• When is the Agora - Central Food Market open?
  • The Agora - Central Food Market on Spartis Road opens early on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• What types of products are sold at the Agora - Central Food Market?
  • The market sells fresh produce such as Kalamata olives, cheese, honey, pulses, seasonal fruits and vegetables. There are also butcher stalls selling carcasses, smoked cuts, sausages, and processed meats. Fish can be purchased whole or cleaned and filleted.
• Are there places to eat at the Agora - Central Food Market?
  • Cafés and bakeries are available at the market, providing sustenance for the many browsers.
• How long has the Agora - Central Food Market been in existence?
  • The market has been in existence for more than 30 years.
• How many producers participate in the Agora - Central Food Market?
  • The market attracts 450 producers.

5. Kastro

• Where is the Castle of Isabeau located?
  • The Castle of Isabeau is built on a rocky hill northwest of the modern city of Kalamata.
• What was the original purpose of the site where the castle is located?
  • The ancient acropolis that once stood on the site was the Temple of Faria, built around 1500 BC, before the Trojan War.
• How did the settlement around the castle grow?
  • The settlement did not grow much beyond the rocky outcrop until the 13th century.
• What invaders occupied the castle area over time?
  • The area was regularly invaded by Slav peasants, Turks, Venetians, and the Knights of Navarra.
• What ruins are visible at the castle today?
  • The visible ruins of the Kastro today are from the time of the Frankish invasion.
• Are there any events held at the castle?
  • The ruins provide a natural theater for various musical and dramatic performances.

6. Folklore and History Museum

• Where is the Folklore and History Museum located?
  • The museum is housed in the 19th century Kirakou Mansion, a triangular double-story building in Kalamata.
• What is displayed in the permanent exhibition of the museum?
  • The museum displays artifacts and relics from the War of Independence of 1821, curated by the Society for the Dissemination of Letters.
• What aspects of history does the museum depict?
  • The museum depicts urban, rural, and pastoral life from different eras.
• What are some significant historical displays at the museum?
  • The museum features displays on printing and bookbinding, showcasing Kalamata's history as the first city in Greece to have a printing press.
  • Weaving and pottery, significant industries at one time, are also highlighted.

7. Messenia

• Where is Messene located?
  • Messene is located about 30 kilometers from Kalamata, at the foothill of the Ithomi mountain in Greece.
• What can visitors see at the Messene archaeological site?
  • The site features walls that are 9 km long, along with ruins of a temple, houses, public buildings, a theater, and a stadium.
• What is the historical significance of Messene?
  • Messene was built by Epaminondas, a Theban statesman of the 4th century BC, who freed the locals from the Spartans.
  • The city is named after a mythical Doric queen, who was later promoted to the status of a goddess.
• Where are the artifacts from Messene displayed?
  • The artifacts from Messene are housed in a two-story museum located at the site.

8. Kardamo Edesmopoleio

• What type of cuisine does Kardamo Edesmopoleio serve?
  • Kardamo Edesmopoleio serves traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist, using fresh ingredients available in the Mediterranean sea port.
• Is seating available indoors or outdoors?
  • Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, which is ideal as the climate permits outdoor seating most of the year.
• What drinks are available at Kardamo Edesmopoleio?
  • They offer a selection of beers, wines, and ouzo to accompany the meals.

Sidirodromikou Stathmou 21, Kalamata 241 00, Phone: +30-27-21-09-80-91

9. Platea

• Where is Platea located?
  • Platea is situated on the main square in a renovated neoclassical building.
• What are the different areas of Platea?
  • The ground floor features an all-day café and bar with a modern décor and high ceilings.
  • The outside area has rows of tables under umbrellas, offering an outdoor seating experience.
  • Upstairs, there is a restaurant with smaller rooms for a more intimate dining experience.
• What type of cuisine does Platea offer?
  • The cuisine at Platea is international, with a focus on Mediterranean dishes.
• What are the opening hours of Platea?
  • Platea is open from 7 am until well after midnight.
• What types of beverages are served at Platea?
  • Baristas serve a range of coffees, and the bar is well-stocked with wines and spirits from around the world.

Vasileos Georgiou Square, 241 00 Kalamáta, Phone: +30-69-70-28-55-55