Kalamata Historic Day Trip From Costa Navarino

Itinerary

Stop At: Ypapanti Church, Kalamata, Messenia Region, Peloponnese

We will pick you up from your hotel and after a 1-hour drive, we will be in the square of the Ypapanti, the largest church and patron saint of the city, from where our tour begins.
The selection of the starting point of our tour is not by chance! In 1986 a large earthquake exposed the ancient city of Kalamata (Farai), hiding just under the sanctuary of Ypapanti’s Church. Parts of the fortification wall of the ancient city, statues and pottery sherds, slept for centuries in the bowels of the church and now they are in the Acropolis Museum of Athens.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: The Church of Agioi Apostoloi, Kalamata, Messenia Region, Peloponnese

Our ride continues south, to the oldest church of the city, the church of Agioi Apostoloi. It was built in the 11th century AD. The church’s square, picturesque and full of stores, coffee shops and restaurants, will make you want to take your time and rest. So, you can relax and enjoy your coffee in one of the many small traditional cafes or buy souvenirs or traditional local products.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Castle of Kalamata, Kalamata, Messenia Region, Peloponnese

We will continue walking around the city’s castle, the one that Villehardouins’ family decided to build during the 12th century. At its base, we will have the opportunity to see two houses preserved from 1821, despite the years that have passed and the earthquake that tore down all the other buildings. We will see also the first hospital of free Kalamata, after 300 years of slavery under the Turks.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Kalamata Municipal Railway Park, Kalamata, Messenia Region, Peloponnese

We will stop to admire the church of St. John, which was built inside a cave and was used by the Greeks as a secret school for their children during the Ottoman era.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: The Holy Monastery of the Ioannis Prodromos, Kalamata, Messenia Region, Peloponnese

The monastery of nuns, will bring us back to reality and the modern history of Kalamata. Inside the monastery, the nuns were the first ones taught how to cultivate the silkworm and the art of weaving silk handkerchiefs. In that same place, they taught it to the young women of the region. Silk scarves become Kalamata’s trademark well known throughout Greece.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Kalamata Beach, Kalamata, Messenia Region, Peloponnese

The pedestrian street that we will follow later is Kalamata’s commercial center. From here, you can admire some of the greatest neoclassical and classical buildings as well as buildings from the inter war era. The main city hall will impress you.
Surely by then you will be hungry. Since you are in Kalamata, it will be impossible to miss the opportunity to taste our Mediterranean cuisine. We have so many choices to choose from the one that satisfies your preferences the most.

Duration: 1 hour