- HOME
- Peloponnese
- Kalamata
Kalamata
Kalamata in the Peloponnese is the area's second-biggest city and is world-famous for the quality of its olives and for the nearby site of Ancient Messene.
Kalamata is the second-largest city in the Peloponnese after Patras, with a population of about 70,000. Like Patras, it's never really become a big tourist destination. Instead, Kalamata's top-quality olives have made its name known around the world. In Greece it's also known as the home of a dance called the Kalamatianos.
Kalamata History
Kalamata has had as chequered a history as other Greek cities, being occupied by the Ottomans, the Venetians, and then the Ottomans again. However, it has one particular note of distinction – it was the first Greek city to be liberated in the Greek War of Independence against the Turks.
What to See in Kalamata
There are a few things for the visitor to see in Kalamata, including a municipal art gallery and a folk art museum. Some of the other attractions include:
Archaeological Museum of Messenia
The Archaeological Museum of Messenia naturally contains finds from all over the region, especially from Ancient Messene (see below). They’re displayed in four different sections for the four different areas making up Messenia: Kalamata, Messene, Pylia and Triphylia.
Cathedral of Ypapanti
Kalamata’s cathedral was built from 1860-1873 but was badly damaged in the major earthquake which devastated Kalamata in 1986, and was subsequently restored.
Kalamata Castle
Kalamata Castle dates from the 13th century and was built on the site of a church that had been there since the 6th century. An icon of the Virgin Mary became known as the kalo matia, or ‘beautiful eyes’. This name was later applied to the church, too, and is one theory as to how the city got its name.
Kalamata Municipal Railway Park
The Kalamata Municipal Railway Park is the only open-air railway museum in Greece, and though it’s a specialist interest there’s still plenty for non-railway enthusiasts to enjoy in its collections.
Ancient Messene
The site of Ancient Messene is about a 40-minute drive northwest of Kalamata, and not to be confused with the modern town of Messini which you pass through on the way. The archaeological site is 25 minutes further on, after you drive through Messini.
The site sprawls over the sides of Mount Othoni, which is about 800m (2,625ft) high and which is also home to the lovely little village of Mavromati. There are some rooms to rent here if you want to spend the night, rather than down in Kalamata. If you climb to the top of Mount Othoni you'll get great views over a lot of the southern Peloponnese.
When you see the extent of the remains you realise what an important city this must have been. What's also remarkable is that the city was protected by walls which were about 10m (33ft) high and ran for 9km (5.6 miles). The walls were built in about 369BC and stood almost undamaged for 750 years.
Kalamata Olives
Kalamata is part of the Messenia regional unit, one of several regional units that make up the Peloponnese. According to European Union (EU) law, only olives grown in this region can be called Kalamata olives. The same applies to olive oil from the region. However, this type of olive is grown in many other parts of the world where there’s no law against calling them Kalamata olives.
Kalamata olives are dark brown olives that are very plump and meaty, which is why they are so highly-regarded. They are a dark purple/black colour, and must be hand-picked to help prevent them getting bruised. If you ate one straight from the tree it would taste very bitter, which is why they are first soaked, with various methods used to get almost all of the bitterness out of them.
Where to Stay in Kalamata
Other Peloponnese pages
Argos
Argos is one of the top archaeological sites in the Peloponnese, one of the oldest cities in Europe, and with museums and a theatre bigger than Epidavros.
The Nemean Games
The Nemean Games, like the Olympic Games, take place every four years but, unlike the Olympics, anyone can apply to take part and run in the original stadium.
Top Archaeological Sites in the Peloponnese
The top archaeological sites in the Peloponnese in Greece include Epidavros, Olympia, Mycenae, Mystras, Tiryns, and Argos.
Peloponnese: Travel Information about the Peloponnese in Greece
The Peloponnese in Greece has such sights as Olympia, Mycenae, the Mani, Nafplion, Corinth and Epidavros.
The Temple of Bassae
The Temple of Bassae in Messenia in the Peloponnese of Greece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
Tiryns
The Greece Travel Secrets guide to the ancient archaeological site of Tiryns, near Mycenae, in the Peloponnese of Greece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Patras
Patras, or Patra, in the Peloponnese is Greece's third-largest city, home to Greece's largest Carnival, with many Roman and Greek remains, museums and churches.
Sparta
Sparta (or Sparti) in the Peloponnese of Greece was one of the most important city-states of ancient Greece and has significant archaeological remains.
Nafplion
Nafplion in the Peloponnese was the Greek capital before Athens and today is a charming waterfront town with good restaurants, museums, shopping, beaches, old fortresses and a delightful atmosphere.
Mystras
The ruined Byzantine city of Mystras sits on the top and the slopes of a hill that juts out from the plain and is one of the most remarkable places in Greece.
Mycenae
Mycenae in the Greek Peloponnese was a royal palace and is famous for the royal tombs, Lion Gate, and was excavated by archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann.
Monemvasia Book Review
Greece Travel Secrets reviews the photography book Monemvasia with extracts from works by Yiannis Ritsos and Nikos Kazantzakis.
The Mani
The Mani in the south of the Peloponnese is the most southerly part of the Greek mainland and famous for its rugged landscape, feuds, and tower houses.
Epidavros
The ancient theatre at Epidavros is one of Greece's greatest attractions, ranking alongside the Acropolis and the Palace at Knossos in Crete, and it is easily the finest theatre in Greece.
Corinth
Corinth has four aspects to it, which are the Corinth canal, the modern town of Corinth, nearby Ancient Corinth, and above that Akrokorinthos or Upper Corinth.
Bradt Guide to the Peloponnese
The Bradt Guide to the Peloponnese is the best book on the Greek region which includes attractions like Mycenae, Epidavros, Olympia, Monemvasia and Nafplion.
Ancient Olympia
Travel guide to Ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese of mainland Greece, home to the original Olympic Games.
Monemvasia
Monemvasia in the Peloponnese is the Greek Rock of Gibraltar and is a huge offshore rock which conceals a tiny town connected to the mainland by a single road.
Latest Posts
-
Storm Elias continues, bringing heavy showers and thunderstorms until Thursday
The Elias weather system was affecting several parts of the country on Tuesday, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail and lightning. -
EasyJet Launches New Route and Package Holidays to Skiathos
British low-cost carrier EasyJet and tour operator easyJet holidays have announced the launch of flights and holidays to Skiathos from London Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester for next summer. -
Highway to Athens from Eleonas Toll re-opened to traffic
The highway to Athens from the Eleonas Toll Station was opened to traffic by opening a lane on the opposite side of the road following its closure due to mudslides. -
This Less-Visited Region In Southern Greece Has Stunning Beaches & Almost No Crowds
On my first visit to the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece, I don’t remember what exactly prompted me to jump in a rental car and start exploring. I do remember the route: it was a narrow road… -
Best Restaurants on Mykonos
Greece Travel Secrets picks its best restaurants on Mykonos, choosing those gourmet restaurants known for their fine dining, and some with tasting menus. -
Things to Do on Mykonos
There are plenty of things to do on Mykonos, one of the most popular Greek islands, such as nightlife, beaches, churches and visiting the ancient site of Delos. -
Mykonos
Mykonos in the Cyclades islands in Greece has cheap and luxury hotel accommodation, car rental, ferries from Athens, Santorini, Crete and other Greek islands. -
Tsikoudia: Cretan Raki and the Taste of Tradition
With its distinctive fruity aromas, tsikoudia is more than just a drink - it is a symbol of conviviality, hospitality, and the rich heritage of Crete. -
New Maria Callas Museum to Open Soon
A museum dedicated to the legendary Greek opera singer Maria Callas, located in the heart of Athens, will open its doors to the public later this year. -
European Heritage Days 2023 at the Acropolis Museum
In celebration of this year's European Heritage Days, the Acropolis Museum in Athens will offer free entry and host a special guided tour for children.
Why not join our Greece Travel Secrets Club? As a member you'll get emailed our regular Greece Travel Secrets Magazine for news, information, and inspiration for planning your travels in Greece.
As a welcome gift you'll also get a free e-book, Heaven on Earth. This contains 19 of Mike's favourite stories that he's written about travelling in Greece for newspapers and magazines over the years.
You'll find it over at Substack. Check out one of the Archive issues to find the Subscribe button.
CHECK OUT THESE COOL SANTORINI SANDALS!
BUY A JOURNAL TO RECORD YOUR OWN GREECE TRAVEL SECRETS!
FOLLOW OUR GREECE VIDEOS
ON YOUTUBE
Best Greece Guide
Of all the many guides to Greece we've seen, this is the one we recommend as best of all:
Greece Travel Inspiration
Buy our book of inspirational travel stories from our travels in Greece over the years.
Take a Look at Our Corfu Guide
FTC Disclosure : If you make a purchase via a link on this site, we may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. Thank you!
Latest Posts
-
Storm Elias continues, bringing heavy showers and thunderstorms until Thursday
Sep 27, 23 01:24 PM
The Elias weather system was affecting several parts of the country on Tuesday, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail and lightning. -
EasyJet Launches New Route and Package Holidays to Skiathos
Sep 27, 23 04:07 AM
British low-cost carrier EasyJet and tour operator easyJet holidays have announced the launch of flights and holidays to Skiathos from London Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester for next summer. -
Highway to Athens from Eleonas Toll re-opened to traffic
Sep 27, 23 03:44 AM
The highway to Athens from the Eleonas Toll Station was opened to traffic by opening a lane on the opposite side of the road following its closure due to mudslides. -
This Less-Visited Region In Southern Greece Has Stunning Beaches & Almost No Crowds
Sep 27, 23 03:44 AM
On my first visit to the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece, I don’t remember what exactly prompted me to jump in a rental car and start exploring. I do remember the route: it was a narrow road… -
Best Restaurants on Mykonos
Sep 23, 23 07:06 AM
Greece Travel Secrets picks its best restaurants on Mykonos, choosing those gourmet restaurants known for their fine dining, and some with tasting menus. -
Things to Do on Mykonos
Sep 23, 23 06:21 AM
There are plenty of things to do on Mykonos, one of the most popular Greek islands, such as nightlife, beaches, churches and visiting the ancient site of Delos. -
Mykonos
Sep 23, 23 06:18 AM
Mykonos in the Cyclades islands in Greece has cheap and luxury hotel accommodation, car rental, ferries from Athens, Santorini, Crete and other Greek islands. -
Tsikoudia: Cretan Raki and the Taste of Tradition
Sep 23, 23 04:06 AM
With its distinctive fruity aromas, tsikoudia is more than just a drink - it is a symbol of conviviality, hospitality, and the rich heritage of Crete. -
New Maria Callas Museum to Open Soon
Sep 23, 23 04:06 AM
A museum dedicated to the legendary Greek opera singer Maria Callas, located in the heart of Athens, will open its doors to the public later this year.
No words or images to be used without prior permission.
We do not sell personal information: see our Privacy Policy.
California Consumer Privacy Act - CCPA: Sale Of Personal Information
Greece Travel Secrets does not sell any information it gathers for any reason. It has not collected or sold any personal information in the last twelve months or ever in the past.
This website was built using Site Build It!
