Our Seat

The Department is situated in Kalamata. It is an ideal city because, together with the wider area of Messenia, it constitutes a cohesive, significant cultural space spanning from Antiquity to this day.

Kalamata’s historic development from prehistoric times to today is visible through the city’s gradual expansion from the Castle to the Port. The city’s historic centre, the Old Town, contains vestiges of Classic, Byzantine, Frankish and Ottoman settlements, as well as recent sites that developed during the city’s economic blossoming at the end of the 19th century. The Castle of Kalamata is a focal point in the Terzakis’ novel Princess Isabeau (Isabella Villehardouin) and the byzantine Church of the Apostles hosted the first Liturgy on liberated Greek soil on March 23, 1821.

Despite the destructive earthquake (1986), today Kalamata is a lively city at the foot of Mount Tayghetos and next to the sea front. It stands out thanks to its creative cultural scene: archaeological sites, museums, theatres, galleries, festivals and local customs enrich the quality of life and offer an ideal environment for study, research and practical training.

Emblematic institutions are, among others, the Archaeological Museum of Messenia, the Kalamata International Dance Festival, the Kalamata Megaron for Dance, the Military Museum, the Gallery of Modern Greek Art-Pantazopouleion, the State Archives (Prefecture of Messenia) and the Municipal Non-profit Enterprise FARIS.

Next to Kalamata one finds the significant archaeological sites of Akovitika and Ancient Thouria, while very near the city lies the archaeological site of Ancient Messene. It is one of the most sizable and well preserved cities of antiquity, boasting a restored theatre, the temple of Aesculapius and other temples, public buildings and impressive fortifications. Furthermore, it is being restored, promoted and managed according to up-to-date methods and terms. Situated in a pristine Mediterranean environment, Ancient Messene enchants the visitor and is transformed into an open book of history, archaeology and cultural resources management.