Destinations
ancient messini
Ancient Messini
One of the last safe kept secrets of Greece!
For those who have visited Ancient Olympia, do not be surprised by the bigger and more imposing archeological city of Ancient Messene.
Discovered recently and it is a well preserved ancient city. It possesses not only sanctuaries and public buildings, but also imposing fortifications, houses and tombs. It enjoys, amongst other things, the advantage of never having been destroyed or covered by later settlements, and is located on an unspoiled inland site. Its natural setting combines the grandeur of the mountains of Delphi with the low-lying, reverie tranquility of Olympia, the dominating bare limestone mass of Ithome, the site of the ancient acropolis, with the low fertile valley around the ancient city. And imagine that excavation works are still ongoing
Undoubtedly it is one of the most important sites to visit in Messinia.
It is according to these very principles that Ancient Messene, the new capital of the free and independent Messenia, was built in 369 B.C. by Epaminondas from Thebes after his victory at Lefktron against the Spartans. Messene’s fortification together with Megalopolis and Argos, operated as walls against the Spartans expansive lands.
Messene was worshipped as a goddess. She was one of the principal deities of the city together with Zeus Ithomatas and, in the Hellenistic times (3rd-2nd c. B.C.) when the Asklepieion was built, she was probably worshipped together with Asclepius
The archeological museum is located in the village of Mavromati over the city’s site. We walk through vineyards and olive trees down to the archaeological site.
The first monument we meet is the ancient theatre which was used for great performances of political character. The meeting of King Philip V of Macedonia with Arato the Sikiona on 214 BC, the next day after the revolt of Messinians, took place here.
Next is the fountain of Arsinoi, daughter of Lefkipos-mythical king of Messinia and mother of Asclepius. Pausanias also states that the fountain took water from the Klepsidra spring.
Amongst recent discoveries are the temple of Zeus Sotiras and his statue and also parts of the Poseidon temple as it was described by Pausanias.
The excavations are still ongoing by an archeological team with participants from both Greek and foreign universities and director the Ph. Mr. Themelis.
If we are lucky we can watch them carrying out the difficult excavation and restoration work. The archaeological site is open:
Summer Tue-Fri 08:00 - 19:00 Sat-Sun 08:30-17:00 closed mondays.
Winter Tue-Sun 08:30-15:00 closed mondays
Near ancient Messini, on the top of the Ithomi hill where the Acropolis was located, during the 8th century AD the Monastery of Voulkano was established and took its present form in the 16th Century AD. The monastery is located on the site of the Zeus Ithomata sanctuary where it is known that sacrifices were performed. The monastery transferred to its new location in 1950.
Would you like to make a stop for ouzo and local snacks at Mavromati village or to guide you to Kalamata to shop for local products and souvenirs?
The destinations are subject to the embarkation/disembarkation points and prevailing weather conditions.
Please ask for further information whilst planning your cruise with us
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