Ancient Messene It was founded in 369 BC by Epameinondas the ban and Argive allies as the capital of the autonomous Messenia based on the Hippodamian urban planning system.
The central idea of this system is in line with the ideas of democracy and equality for citizens, as their right to have appropriate plots of land and, mainly, access to sanctuaries in public buildings and common areas is recognized. The name Messini was given by the mythical queen of Cyprus, Messini. The most important fortress of Messinia was Ithomi.
The towers are usually square. The Eastern Laconian Gate has collapsed. The Arcadian Gate is quite well preserved to the west, which is a construction of monumental dimensions. It is circular inside and has two entrances: a simple exterior without opening and a double interior that leads to the market.
In the inner circular space, there is a niche to the right and to the left of the entrance where the Hermaic columns were erected. Two square towers protected the outer entrance on the right and left. A monolithic central parapet, today broken in two, divided the entrance into two doorways with chariot grooves on their stone thresholds.
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THEATER
The theater of ancient Messina also functioned as a place for mass gatherings of cultural character. The belly rests on an artificial embankment that is held up by a petal-shaped retaining wall that is interrupted around the perimeter for about 20 meters by pointed gates.
The wall of the western passage preserves several rows of elbows in their positions. Each row of elbows and each elbow bears tectonic marks—symbols in the form of letters of the alphabet. The imposing wall of the eastern passage is built with particular care and is 5 meters high, consisting of 10 rows of rectangular stone plinths. Part of the eastern wall of the vault is also preserved.
In the orchestra area, there were at least six stone thrones for the city officials, two of which had lion's legs and footrests preserved. The mobile stage operated until the 1st century BC. Then the first permanent stage building was built while the ground around it was elevated. From this phase, several ionic columns and semi-columns of plastered sandstone survive. The facade of the stage had three floors. Each floor included door columns and three niches decorated with statues.
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FOUNTAIN ARSINOI
Between the theater and the market is the Nymphaeum building over 40 meters high. It is fed by the Klepshydra spring which channels the water through a pipeline to fill the tank. The main spring is located in the current village of Mavrommati. In 360-370 BC the fountain was abandoned.
THE BASILIKI
It is located west of the market and is three-sided. The narthex communicates with the main temple through 3 openings that lead to the corresponding aisles. The narthex has a paved floor in which the pilaster of a colonnade of an earlier building has been incorporated. The colonnades that supported the aisles consisted of ten ribbed limestone columns with marble Ionic bases from older buildings.
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THE TREASURY
Ground floor chamber built with limestone corners. In the middle of the north and south sides, it has monolithic buttresses inside. The cover consists of 2 rows of limestone slabs. They leave a square opening in the center that was closed with a massive stone cap.
STADIUM AND HIGH SCHOOL
They belong to the most well-preserved building complexes. The stadium includes 18 bleachers and 18 rows of seats. It is surrounded by Doric arcades. The arcades belong to the Gymnasium which, together with the Stadium, formed a single architectural ensemble. Connected to the Stadium is the Hero-Mausoleum in the style of a Doric prostyle tetrakion temple.
A funerary monument with a conical roof whose restoration is ongoing. Two contiguous rooms of a Roman-era mansion are located SE of Asclepius.The first has a mosaic floor while the second has a floor with multi-colored marble inlays.
HOW TO GET THERE
The most convenient way to reach the site is by car. From Athens, you first head towards Corinth, then continue via Tripoli and Kalamata. From Kalamata, follow the signs to Mavrommati. The total driving time is approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic.
If you are using public transport, you can take a KTEL bus from Athens to Kalamata. From Kalamata, you will need a local bus or taxi to reach Ancient Messene, which takes around 30–40 minutes. However, public transport connections are limited, so renting a car is generally the easiest option.
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Opening Hours of Ancient Messene
Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene is generally open all year round, but opening times vary depending on the season.
Typically:
- Summer season (April – October): around 08:00 – 20:00
- Winter season (November – March): around 08:30 – 15:30
Last entry is usually allowed about 20–30 minutes before closing time.
The site may be closed or have reduced hours on certain public holidays, so it is always recommended to check the official updates before visiting.
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