Kalamata City
Kalamata Square |
Welcome to the Capital and chief port of the prefecture is the much-sung Kalamata, the land of the Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief.
Of succulent black olives, honeyed figs and the sesame-covered sweet called pastelli.
The 13th century castle above the city built by Geoffrey de Villehardouin, dominates the town.
On the north side of the citadel there is a small Byzantine church, dedicated to the Virgin of Kalomata (of the good eye), from which the town may have acquired its name.
From the castle you can survey the expanse of sea below with its sandy and pebbly shores or turn your gaze upon the deep green plain, the "happy land" of ancient Greeks.
The old city is spread out underneath the castle.
This is where the Byzantine church of the Virgin Ypapanti and the convent of the Kalograies, where the nuns weave the famous Kalamata silk, are situated. There are many churches in town, the oldest being the historic church of Agii Apostoli (13th c.), where the Greek National Liberation Revolution against the Turks was formally declared on March 23, 1821.
Kalamata has an archaeological and a folklore museum, a fine arts museum and a library containing 60.000 volumes.
Every summer cultural events like concerts and plays put on by the Kalamata theatrer are held in the amphitheater of the castle.
In the evening, the town comes alive, especially along the waterfront which is lined with taverns, seafood restaurants and rotisseries serving local dishes and drinks, fresh fish, roast suckling pig and chicken, sausages, cheese, olives, retsina and raki. Please treat yourself with everything but watch for the extra kilos one can easily put on if you overdo!
A multidude of modern hotels can satisfy the most demanding taste and can provide the basis for a most relaxing and rewarding vacation.
Kalamata Harbor |
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Kalamata City Aerial View |
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Kalamata Beach View |
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Kalamata at night |
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