Kalamata
Capital and chief port of the Messinia prefecture is the much-sung
Kalamata, the land of the Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief.
The land of succulent black olives, honeyed figs and the sesame-covered
sweet called "pastelli". The town is dominated by the 13th century
castle above it built by Geoffrey de Villehardouin. 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 the
sea below with its sandy and pebbly shores or turn your gaze upon
the deep green plain, the "happy land" of the ancients.
The old city is spread out underneath the castle. Every summer cultural
events like concerts and plays put on by the Kalamata theatre are
held in the amphitheater of the castle. In the evening, the town comes
alive, especially along the waterfront, which is lined with tavernas,
seafood restaurants and rotisseries serving local dishes and drinks,
fresh fish, roast suckling pig and chicken, sausages, cheese, olives,
retsina and raki. Kalamata has an archaeological and folklore museum,
a fine arts museum and a library.
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Kalamata |
