Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Local buses leave from the KTEL Messinia bus station. The most useful service is bus 1,
which goes south to the seafront and then east along Navarinou as far as the Filoxenia
Hotel. Buy tickets (€1.20) from kiosks or the driver.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
Kalamata is a good place to rent a vehicle, due to hot competition between the agencies
at the waterfront end of Faron. Recommended options:
Avis
(
27210 20352; Kesari 2)
Verga Rent a Car
(
27210 95190; Faron 202)
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ancient MessiniΑρχαία Μεσσήνη
POP 350
The fascinating ruins of Ancient Messini lie scattered across a small valley below the
pretty village of Mavromati, 25km northwest of Kalamata. The village takes its name
from the fountain in the central square; the water gushes from a hole in the rock that
looks like a black eye (
mavro mati
in Greek). More recently 'Mavromati' is referred to
infrequently and the name 'Ancient Messini' is used to refer to both the historic site and
the village itself.
History
Ancient Messini was founded in 371 BC after the Theban general Epaminondas defeated
Sparta at the Battle of Leuctra, freeing the Messinians from almost 350 years of Spartan
rule. Built on the site of an earlier stronghold, the new Messinian capital was one of a
string of defensive positions designed to keep watch over Sparta. Epaminondas himself
helped to plan the fortifications, which were based on a massive wall that stretched 9km
around the surrounding ridges and completely enclosed the town.
Apart from its defensive potential, Ancient Messini was also favoured by the gods.
According to local myth, Zeus was born here - not Crete - and raised by the nymphs
Neda and Ithomi, who bathed him in the same spring that gives the modern village its
name.
Sights
Ancient Messini
HISTORIC SITE
