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Kalamata Καλαμάτα
Kalamata
Location
Kalamata
Coordinates	37°2′N 22°7′E / 37.033°N 22.117°E / 37.033; 22.117Coordinates: 37°2′N 22°7′E / 37.033°N 22.117°E / 37.033; 22.117
Government
Country:	Greece
Periphery:	Peloponnese
Prefecture:	Messenia
Population statistics (as of 2001[1])
City
- Population:	57,620
- Area:	253.2 km2 (98 sq mi)
- Density:	228 /km2 (589 /sq mi)
Other
Time zone:	EET/EEST (UTC+2/3)
Elevation (min-max):	0 - 21 m (0 - 69 ft)
Postal:	241 00
Telephone:	27210
Auto:	KM
Website
www.kalamata.gr

Kalamata (Greek: Καλαμάτα Kalamáta, formerly Καλάμαι Kalámai) is the second-largest city of the Peloponnese in southern Greece. The capital and chief port of the Messenia prefecture, it lies along the Nedon River at the head of the Messenian Gulf. Located near the ancient city of Pharai mentioned by Homer, it lies 238 km SW of Athens, about 60 km SE of Kyparissia and GR-9, about 120 km SSE of Pyrgos, about 80 km SW of Tripoli, about 60 km W of Sparta, NW of Areopoli and about 8 km E of Messene, it is also 215 km south of Patras and 715 (old: 750) km south of Thessaloniki. The 2001 census recorded 57,620 inhabitants.

Kalamata is renowned as the land of the Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief; of succulent dark olives, honey-eyed figs and the honey-covered sesame sweet called pasteli. The city can be reached from other Greek cities by bus and train. Furthermore, the city has an international airport and an important harbour. Ferries are available to places such as the Greek islands of Kythira, and Crete .

The Messenian Gulf where Kalamata is located has various long beaches. The Taygetus mountain range is located about 4 km E of Kalamata and GR-82 Kalamata - Sparta highway runs through the ranges.

Olives and olive oil are important and famous products that are exported from Kalamata.

Kalamata has schools, lyceums, gymnasia, banks, a post office, and squares (plateia). The newly established University of Peloponnese has a campus in Kalamata, where the history, literature, religion and philosophy departments are located. The Kalamata campus of the university also provides free Greek lessons to expatriate Greeks.

Name

The name Kalamata may have something to do with the Greek kala ommata which means beautiful eyes. A Byzantine church near the city is devoted to the virgin of Kalomata. There is a place with the name "Cala Mata"^[2] on the island of Mallorca in Spain. In Sardinia, Italy, close to Cagliari, there is a place called "Surcuri-Calamata"^[3]. The origin of the name of these places is Latin and has to do with the word's "Cala" means a place to anchor and "Mata" a small plant.

Municipal districts

The city of Kalamata is subdivided in the following municipal districts (population according to the 2001 census and villages within the district in brackets):

• Alagonia (pop: 360, Alagonia, Machalas)
• Antikalamos (pop: 541)
• Artemisia (pop: 291, Artemisia, Theotokos)
• Asprochoma (pop: 1,231, Asprochoma, Akovitika, Kalami, Katsikovo)
• Elaiochori (pop: 395, Elaiochori, Arachova, Diasella, Moni Dimiovis, Perivolakia)
• Kalamata (pop: 49,550, Kalamata, Bournias, Koutala, Menina, Profitis Ilias, Moni Velanidias)
• Karveli (pop: 180, Karveli, Agia Triada, Emialoi, Kato Karveli)
• Ladas (pop: 223, Ladas, Agia Marina, Agios Vasileios)
• Laiika (pop: 926, Laiika, Katsaraiika, Spitakia, Xerokampi)
• Mikri Mantineia (pop: 688)
• Nedousa (pop: 158)
• Piges (pop: 103, Piges, Skouroulakkos)
• Sperchogeia (pop: 855)
• Verga (pop: 2,110, Ano Verga, Kato Verga, Paralia Vergas)

History

Unlike many other Greek cities, Kalamata does not date to classical times. Messini, which is located elsewhere in Messinia, is an ancient site, however. From 1681 on the Venetians ruled Kalamata. On 23 March 1821, Kalamata was the first city to be liberated from the Turkish occupation of over 300 years, by the Greek rebel forces under the orders of generals Theodoros Kolokotronis, Petros Mavromichalis and Papaflessas. In 1825, Ibrahim Pasha destroyed the city during the Greek war of independence. After this, Kalamata was rebuilt and became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean sea. It is not surprising that the 2nd oldest Chamber of Commerce in the Mediterranean, after that of Marseille, exists in Kalamata. On 29 April 1941, a battle was fought near the port between invading German forces and the 2nd New Zealand Division, during which Jack Hinton was awarded the Victoria Cross. After World War II, and due to political issues, Kalamata, as well as most of the Peloponnese, was excluded from the government development plans, in favour of north Greece instead. That was a major brake on the local economy, resulting in the decline of the port and hence the city. During 70s and the 80s, development and growth in Kalamata were unknown, and only after the city suffered severe damage from the earthquakes of September 13 1986, the local authorities and individuals strained their financial resources to bring a wind of change to the forgotten capital of Messinia. Due to these efforts, Kalamata has now fully recovered and developed into a modern provincial capital, with all facilities and amenities, as well as one of the most modern hospitals in Greece. It is also the seat of the Metropolitan Bishop of Messinia. Current Metropolitan Bishop is Chrysostomus III since 15 March 2007.

Kalamata has been subjected to many trials and tribulations. It was under Frank occupation between 1205 and 1381, and within that period ruled by the French noble Villehardouin family (1210 to 1278) who built their castle there. Later occupied by the Turks from 1481 to 1685 like the rest of Greece, the city was next taken over by the Venetians in 1751. During the Venetian occupation the city was fortified, developed and thrived economically. However, the Turks reoccupied Kalamata in 1715 and controlled it until the Greek War of Independence of 1821 when Petrobeis Mavromihalis salvaged and liberated the city. Kalamata was again in the news and headlines on Saturday, September 13, 1986, as an earthquake measured at almost 6.6 on the Richter scale. Damages were rarely reported but it caused panic to the region.

Today, Kalamata has the second largest population and mercantile activity in Peloponnese. It makes important exports, particularly of local products such as raisins, olives and olive oil. Although the city experienced catastrophic consequences after the earthquake of 1986, it has overall recovered its pace and is forging ahead successfully from a commercial aspect.

There are numerous historical and cultural sights to see in Kalamata, such as the Villehardouin castle, the Ipapandis Byzantine church, the Kalograion monastery with its famous silk-weaving workshop where the beautiful Kalamata scarves are made, and the municipal railway park. Another great spot to visit is the church of Agion Apostolon where Mavromihalis declared the revolution. It’s also worth seeing the art collections housed at the Municipal Gallery, the Archaeological Museum of Messenia and the Folk Art Museum.

Transportation

Kalamata's railway station circa 1910

It is accessed by GR-7/E55/E65 in the west and GR-82 runs through Kalamata and into the Taygetus. The nearest motorway is now 35 km N. From the mid-1980s until 2002, it was 85 km SW in Tripoli. There is a road connecting within the coastline of Kalamata which is not far from the gulf and runs in the southern part of Kalamata.

Kalamata is served by a metre gauge railway line of the former Piraeus, Athens and Peloponnese Railways, now owned by the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE). There is a passenger train station and a small freight yard in the city, as well as a rolling stock maintenance depot to the North. An disused extension line to the port is now used as a Railway Parl. Currently there are mainline train services to Kyparissia, Pyrgos and Patras and suburban services to Messini and the General Hospital. There are no passenger services to Corinth (Korinthos) via Tripolis and Argos, due to extensive track reconstruction work.

There is a bus link (KTEL) to Tripolis, Korinthos and Athens with frequent services.

Since the mid-80s there is a regular weekly cruise-boat route between Kalamata - Kythira - Chania (Crete). In the summer months charter flights fly direct to Kalamata International Airport from many European cities.

Historical population

Landmarks

• Benakeion Archaeological Museum of Kalamata ^[4], located in the heart of the historical centre of Kalamata.
• Byzantine churches
• Cultural events, such as the International Dance Festival
• Kalamata International Dance Festival
• The Castle of Kalamata from the 13th century AD.
• The Marina and the Port of Kalamata, located SW of the city centre. It is the main and largest port in Messinia and the southern part of the Peloponnese.
• Kalamatas National Stadium - home of Messiniakos, it contains 5,000 spectators
• The Kalamata International Airport, an airport located about 7 km NW, close to Messene. The runway length is about 2 km and it is combined with a military airport.
• The Railway Museum of the Municipality of Kalamata ^[5], a railway museum which first opened since 1986
• The Temple of the Epicurian Apollo, about one hour's drive north from Kalamata
• Tourist information

Notable people

Alexandros Koumoundouros

• William II of Villehardouin (d. 1278) the last Villehardouin prince of Achaea
• Yiannis Balis (1932) Physician Scientist, Discoverer of Lamellar Bodies and their associated function
• Yiannis Chryssomallis ("Yanni") (1954) composer and musician
• Aggeliki Daliani (1979) actress
• Nikolaos Doxaras, painter
• Panagiotis Doxaras, painter
• Nikolaos Georgeas (1976) footballer
• Alexandros Koumoundouros, Prime Minister of Greece in the 19th century
• Nikolaos Lyberopoulos, (1975) footballer
• Gerasimos Michaleas (1947) Orthodox Christian Metropolitan bishop of San Francisco, California, USA
• Panos Mihalopoulos (1949) actor
• Sokratis Papastathopoulos (1988) footballer
• Prokopis Pavlopoulos (1950) lawyer, university professor and politician
• Vassilis Photopoulos (1934-2007) painter, film director, art director and set designer
• Nikolaos Politis, folklorist
• Maria Polydouri (1902-1930) poet
• Kenny Stamatopoulos (1979) footballer
• Michail Stasinopoulos (1903-2002) lawyer, President of the Republic of Greece

Sporting teams

• Apollon Kalamatas
• Kalamata FC - second division
• Messiniakos fc - third division
• Olympiakos Kalamatas
• Prasina Poulia Kalamatas (literally the Green Bird)

International relations

Twin towns — Sister cities

Kalamata is twinned with:

• Aglantzia, Cyprus
• Bizerte, Tunisia
• Xi'an, China^[6]

See also

• Kalamata (olive)
• Kalamatianó
• Communities of Messenia

References

External links

• Municipality of Kalamata (Greek)
• Historic maps of Kalamata
• Messinian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Ministry of Culture - Messinia

Prefectural Capitals of Greece Agios Nikolaos • Alexandroupoli • Amfissa • Argostoli • Arta • Athens • Chalcis • Chania • Chios • Corfu • Corinth • Drama • Edessa • Eleusina • Ermoupoli • Florina • Grevena • Heraklion • Igoumenitsa • Ioannina • Kalamata • Karditsa • Karpenisi • Kastoria • Katerini • Kavala • Kilkis • Komotini • Kozani • Lamia • Larissa • Lefkada • Livadeia • Messolonghi • Mytilene • Nafplion • Pallini • Patras • Piraeus • Polygyros • Preveza • Pyrgos • Rethymno • Rhodes • Serres • Sparta • Thessaloniki • Trikala • Tripoli • Vathy • Veria • Volos • Xanthi • Zakynthos

From Wikitravel

Kalamata is one of the most fortunate cities in Greece, mostly thanks to its geographic position. Situated at the apex ofthe crystal-blue Messinian Bay and at the foot of the imposing Mount Taygetos, it is a heaven for its inhabitants. Also, Kalamata is the ideal base for those who want to discover the secrets of Messinia, since it is centrally situated and many of the tourist and cultural destinations are easily reached by car.

See

Historical Centre

The best starting point for sight-seeing around Kalamata is the city’s historical centre. Wandering in the alleys of the historical centre will revive images from the past and reveal buildings that have resisted time.

• Saint Apostles is a historic little church where the Greek Revolution against the long Turkish occupation was declared on March 25th 1821. This little church was built in 1317 by Emperor Andronicus and its presence affects magically those who are familiar with its history.

• Benakei Archeological Museum (Papazoglou 6), is a beautiful building of the Venetian type built in 1742, where many interesting archeological findings are exhibited, including a mosaic from Koroni that represents scenes from the worship of Bacchus.

• The Municipal Library (Papazoglou 5) houses works of art that were donated after the destructive earthquake of Kalamata in 1986. These pieces manifest the sensibility of people who can see rebirth from disaster.

• The Historical and Folkloric Museum of Kalamata (Kyriakou and Ag.Ioannou 20) is housed in a small restored building. Visitors can see objects that date back to the Revolution of 1821, as well as read detailed information about the agricultural and productive life of Messinian inhabitants during the last century.

• The Temple of the Visitation of the Saviour, built in the 19th century in a Byzantine style, is a grandiose temple dedicated to the city’s protector.

• Municipal Conservatoire. Located on the steps above the temple and host for music events organised almost every weekend.

• Castle of Kalamata. The castle is even higher up, on a piny hill overlooking the sea. Built in 1208 by Gulielme Villearduin, it has inspired Aggelos Terzakis’s novel about Princess Izampo who had lived in the area. At the feet of the castle there is the semi-cavernous temple of Saint John that has probably existed since the post-Byzantine years. It is said that the citadel of Ancient Pharai was situated below the castle.

• In the nunnery of Saints Constantine and Helen', built beside the castle in the 18th century, you will also learn about the ongoing Byzantine tradition of weaving pure silk on “lakkoi” (looms).

The Centre

Just below the historical centre is the commercial centre.

• Aristomenous is the city’s main street with alarge square. Home to numerous shops and cafes, it's worth a stroll just to enjoy the ambiance.

• Pantazopouleio Cultural Centre, in the middle of Aristomenous, always has exhibitions, speeches or shows taking place.

• The railway park, at the end of Aristomenous street, is a pleasant surprise. It is the only open museum of this kind, where train engines and train cars of different time periods are placed in harmony in a green landscape. This place is a recreation ground for children and adults.

The Coast

Below the city centre is the coast area. In the summer, the coast of Kalamata bustles with life, both during the day when the long coastline fills with bathers and in the night, when young people fill the clubs* The port of Kalamata was once the centre of of the town's commercial and industrial development, when it used to connect to all the Mediterranean centres.

• The marina to the west of the port has numerous sailing ships anchored.
• Navarinou street, to the east of the port, is the “coast” for the locals and the citizens’ resort; at any time of the day and night you will see groups of people strolling and talking by the sea.

• Sofa Sofa. Great night club open on weekends in Kastraki!  edit
• KONG Dance Gallery, Paralia. Great music at this dance club!  edit

• Learn more about the local products of Messinia while wandering through the historical centre, visiting the small shops that buy their merchandise exclusively from local producers.

• In the city centre, Aristomenous (the main street with the large square) and the streets crossing it are home to numerous shops offering everything you might need.

• The cafeterias along Aristomenous are countless and full of life, with many people enjoying their warm ambiance in the winter or sitting on the chairs at the square during the sunny summer days.
• O Tzimis, At St. Apostles Church square, ☎ 2721023999. Best souvlakia and gyros in Kalamata at this stand across from the church of the revolution in the square! 1.10euro.  edit

• Rex Hotel, Aristomenous 26, 24100 Kalamata, ☎ +30 27210 22334, [1]. The Rex Hotel is located in the center of Kalamata, next to the city hall. It is one of the oldest neoclassical buildings in the city.  edit
• Hotel Elite, End of Navarinoy St., 241 00 Kalamata, ☎ +30 27210 22434, [2]. Elite Hotel is situated in the heart of Messinian Bay, at the foot of Taygetos mountain, but very close to the beautiful city of Kalamata.  edit
• Pharae Palace Hotel, Messinia Kalamata Peloponnese 24100.  edit

Get out

You'll find attractive scenery no matter which way you head from Kalamata.

• To the southeast is Mani (second leg of the Peloponnese), where the woody coastal places of Messinian Mani pass the baton to the steep, rocky and fascinating coastal landscape of Lakonian Mani.
• To the southwest (first leg of the Peloponnese), you'll reach Koroni, Methoni and Pylos with their famous attractions.
• Crossing Kalamata towards the North and heading to Sparti, you will enter the magnificent world of Taygetos, the roof of Kalamata. Taygetos is the biggest challenge for lovers of mountain, trekking and climbing. Imposing and full of contradictions, with slopes, canyons, caves, sources, rivers and rich vegetation alternated with steep rocks, it magnetises the bold ones who will dare to explore it.

• The Ancient Messini is a few kilometres outside Kalamata, in the Municipality of Ithomi. It's a recently-discovered archeological site that astonishes visitors with its expanse and good condition; in fact, it is considered the best preserved archeological site.

From LoveToKnow 1911