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Kalamata Guide

The Castle

It is standing in the northern part of the city, on a low hill, the Nedon river running at its foot. On that same hill, Pharis built the acropolis of Pharae. It was there that the palaces of the kings of the ancient city were. On its ruins, the Byzantines built a Christian church (6th century). The site was later fortified. It is during the Frankish rule (13th century), especially under the rule of the Villehardouin dynasty, that the Castle acquired its present form. The fortification was preserved and underwent additions during the years of the Venetian and the Ottoman rule.

The Holy Apostles

It is the symbol of the city, since it is associated with the start of the Greek War of Independence. It is located on the 23rd March 1821 (23 Martiou) Square, that was named after the date on which the city was liberated from the Ottomans. Its initial structure dates back to the 11th-12th century.

Vasileos Georgiou II Square

Kalamata’s central square, with plenty of cafés and patisseries. It is the busiest part of the city. It was first constructed in 1928 and the most recent renovation took place between 2012 and 2013. At its southern part one can find the characteristic fountain called “Psarakia”. Another fountain is situated at its northern side. There are plenty of flower beds and a lot of greenery along the square. It is around this square that the heart of the shopping center is beating.

Church of Ypapanti

A majestic church that dominates the homonymous square. It is the Cathedral of Kalamata. Its construction began in 1860 and it was inaugurated in 1873.

Kalograion Monastery

It was founded in 1796 and is dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helen. It is located near the Castle and the Church of Ypapanti. Since early times the nunnery stood out as a famous center for the production of silk textiles, amongst which the renowned handkerchiefs of Kalamata.

Aristomenous Street

It was the first road to be constructed (1871) in order to connect the city with the seafront. Since then, it remains a central axis for Kalamata and a timeless point of reference. By walking along Aristomenous street, one can find commercial stores, the Vasileos Georgiou II Square, public authorities, banks and the Municipal Railway Park.

Neoclassical buildings

Elegant buildings erected during the city’s most prosperous years (1880-1920). They are mainly gathered in the northern part of Aristomenous street and the eastern part of the jetty (Navarinou street). Many of these buildings are today used by the Municipality of Kalamata.

Paplomatadika, 23 Martiou Square

The liveliest part of the Historic Center and the heart of entertainment. Paved pedestrian streets, traditional stores, cozy ouzo places, bars and cafés make a picturesque setting.

Municipal Railway Park

The open-air museum and park occupies an area of 54,000 sq. meters and has been operating since 1986. It is also the home of cultural activities. Apart from steam locomotives and carriages, fountains and small lakes, the park also has sports courts, playgrounds, an openair amphitheater and a snack bar (at the old station).

Dance Hall

It was constructed with funding from the European Union in order to house the activities of the Kalamata International Dance Center during the International Dance Festival (July) as well as cultural events that take place throughout the year. It first opened its doors in July 2013 and every year it welcomes the dance world’s most prestigious names.

The central point of the port is Teloneiou (Customs Office) Square, where the prominent buildings ofThe central point of the port is Teloneiou (Customs Office) Square, where the prominent buildings ofthe Customs Office and the Port Authority, a complex of eclectic and neoclassical features, are located.The Port Park, the beginning of Aristomenous street and the Municipal Railway Park are situated justbehind these buildings. West of the square, in just a few minutes walking distance, one can find thecity’s marina, which is a docking place for many boats (private or rented) and the location of manyrestaurants.

On that same side there are two buildings that remind us of the city’s industrial andOn that same side there are two buildings that remind us of the city’s industrial andcommercial past and the time when the port was a nationally significant trade hubbustling with merchants:

  • The Autonomous Raisin Organization building, the design of which was based onFrench examples, was erected at a time when the trade of raisins (currants) wasthriving (in the early 20th century)
  • The Roller Mills of Messinia “Evangelistria”, which were founded in 1925 and shutdown in 1991.East of the jetty, there is a beach extending for 2.5 km, ideal not only for strollingbut also for swimming in its crystal clear waters.

All along the beach line, on the vibrant, full-of-life (especially during the summerAll along the beach line, on the vibrant, full-of-life (especially during the summermonths) Navarinou street, one can find traditional but also contemporarydining places. There are also many modernly designed hotels, offeringtop-quality services that satisfy all clients’ needs, from simple accommodationto hosting large conferences.

From the port one can walk towards the center of Kalamata, following the broad red-paved sidewalk of Faron street, which is part of a 5.5 km long pedestrian walkway that runs through the city. Useful signs help pedestrians reach the center within 20΄. The sidewalk has ramps for facilitating the access of the disabled, as well as benches for taking a walk-break to enjoy Faron street’s beautiful trees and flowers.

One can also reach the city center by walking through the Municipal Railway Park, which can be accessed through the bikeway that runs along the port. Through Faron street and then through Platonos street, or through the Municipal Railway Park, visitors will reach Aristomenous street, the busiest and most commercial street of the city. By following it towards the north, visitors will reach the shopping district, where dozens of stores offer a great range of clothing, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, top-quality local products etc. at affordable prices. The street has many cafés, restaurants and places for ouzo and meze.

The Historic Center is located north of the shopping district, around the Holy Apostles Church, and south of the Castle. Wandering through its narrow alleys is like travelling back in time. There, visitors have the opportunity to discover old buildings that survived the passage of time, mansions, stone-built churches, museums, stores that sell local products, cafés, meze places and restaurants.

The bikeway of Kalamata is 14,2 km long. It runs through the center and offers an alternative sightseeing experience. It starts from Othonos square and continues through Nedontos street, Vasileos Georgiou II square, Aristomenous street, the Municipal Railway Park and Navarinou street. It ends at the Anastasi Church square by the beach. On Navarinou street, cyclists can enjoy the sea view to the breathtaking Messinian Gulf.

Visitors of Kalamata can enjoy a swim anywhere along the city’s coastal zone (Navarinou street), in just a few minutes drive from the city center. Beaches are both sandy and shingle, while the waters are crystal clear. This is thanks to Kalamata’s wastewater treatment facilities, which ensure that the waters of the Messinian Gulf remain clean, thus upgrading the environment and helping improve life quality. The facilities have been in operation since 1985. Further to their upgrade and extension completed in 2015, the facilities are capable of serving 120,000 residents in a thirty-year perspective. One can also swim along the coast, east of the city, where the bays of Verga, Almiros, Mikri Mantineia and Kitries are situated within a 20’ drive maximum. These beaches are full of beach bars and clubs, while one can also enjoy exciting water sports (water skiing, windsurfing, etc.).