![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kalamata-fussgaengerzone-1024x682.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe origin of the name Kalamata is not entirely certain. However, it is known that the name first appeared in a document in 1142. The city later gave its name to one of the region’s most important agricultural products – the Kalamon olive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1986, there was a severe earthquake in the Peloponnese with numerous aftershocks. Many buildings in the region were severely damaged and for many years you could still see houses in danger of collapsing in the cityscape. The rather inconsistent building structure with one or the other building sin is certainly a consequence of this natural disaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The city can be easily explored on foot. The city center has a beautiful pedestrian zone and from there it is about 2 kilometers to the port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The beach is certainly the place that many vacationers know best. It stretches for around 5 kilometers. Right next to the town, you will mainly find a pebble beach. If you look for smaller bathing bays that are not accessible on foot, you will also find sandy beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The beach and the adjacent promenade are perfect for a stroll. Every now and then you pass a restaurant. We ate excellent fish in 2 beach restaurants<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The harbor area is divided into the ferry port and the marina. Connections to Kissamos are offered from the ferry port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The marina has 250 berths for yachts up to 25 m in length and 3 m draught. The supply and service facilities are good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visitors can take part in boat trips and fishing tours <\/a>from the harbor. There are also a few small fishing boats moored there and, if you are lucky, you can buy freshly caught fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Kalamata Municipal Railway Park is a unique open-air museum in Greece and one of the top sights in Kalamata. An unforgettable experience for railroad fans from all over the world and a fantastic playground for the city’s children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Railway Park was originally due to be completed in September 1986, but due to the devastating earthquake it was not opened to the public until 1990. The park, and therefore also the open-air railroad museum, is the former Kalamata – Limin railroad station and an adjacent area that used to serve as a coal storage yard for the railroads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During a walk through the park, which can be visited free of charge, we were able to see the former station including the two-storey station master’s lodge and 4 station platforms with an entrance stand, the water tower and various smaller railroad installations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the old rails, we also discovered train carriages and locomotives. Some of the carriages are now used for cultural events such as a children’s theater. The real attraction, however, are the 7 steam locomotives and a diesel railcar. They simply stand there without a fence or warning signs and we could not only look at them, but also touch them. We even had the opportunity to climb aboard some of the trains. 5 wagons date from around 1885, others were in operation from 1885-1947.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What we particularly liked was the versatility of the park. There were not only railroads to see here, but also children’s playgrounds, a caf\u00e9 and basketball courts, for example. A place where families like to spend time and train fans enjoy having close contact with the vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We only discovered a few really nice street art pictures in the city. But one caught my eye in the old town and stayed in my memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The picture shows protagonists of the fight for freedom, which officially began on March 23, 1821 with the proclamation in the Apostle Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What better way to get to know a country, its people and their food than by visiting a market. The central market of Kalamata offers regional products. The prices are reasonable and the selection is quite large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We not only discovered fresh fruit and vegetables, but also freshly caught fish and, of course, the famous Kalamata olive and tsipouro, the local schnapps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The market, which is located very close to the castle ruins, is open from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm. You can also shop there on Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8.30 pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We like to go to cemeteries and enjoy the peace and quiet there. We are always particularly excited when we visit cemeteries in other countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we looked from the hill of the castle ruins towards the town, we spotted a large cemetery. We memorized the approximate direction and set off at random. After a while, we reached the entrance to the grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some visitors went straight into the small cemetery church in front of us. We didn’t want to disturb them and just peeked in from the doorstep. Candles were lit and prayers were said in the really beautiful chapel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We decided to walk around the cemetery, which has a very structured layout. I was particularly fascinated by the beautifully bright white gravestones and headstones. Many graves were decorated with flowers, but when we took a closer look we realized that they were mostly plastic flowers. The fact that they were a little more colorful created a wonderful contrast to the white gravestones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something that is rarely seen here in the region could be seen on almost every grave at the cemetery in Kalamata: the picture of the deceased. Certainly a nice reminder for the relatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The castle of Kalamata stands on a rocky hill on the north-western outskirts of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the 6th century AD, a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built inside the castle. An icon depicting her became famous under the name “Kalomata”, which translates as “beautiful eyes”. Subsequently, “Kalamata” developed not only as a name for the church, but also for the castle and eventually the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to mythology, the ancient acropolis that once stood on the rock was founded by Faris from Argos. The resulting city, which was also located on the hill, is known as Farai or Fares. It is mentioned in the Iliad as one of seven cities that Agamemnon offered to Achilles to appease his anger. Despite its proximity to other towns such as Messini, Fares never achieved any significant importance in antiquity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In early and middle Byzantine times, the area was inhabited and probably also fortified, but little else is known about its history. After the Fourth Crusade and the fall of Constantinople, Frankish knights conquered the Peloponnese and Kalamata. Geoffroi de Villehardouin I, who ruled as lord of the Principality of Achaea between 1205 and 1218, expanded and fortified the castle. This proved necessary as it was brutally attacked many times over the centuries, for example by the Slavs in 1293, the Venetians in 1685 and the Turks in 1825.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the city of Kalamata grew in size in the 18th century, the castle was abandoned and began to fall into disrepair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, only part of the fortifications and the tower that served as a refuge remain. After the earthquake of 1986, large parts of one of the most important sights in Kalamata were in danger of collapsing. For a long time it was not possible to visit it and even today it is still not possible to enter all areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a small ticket booth directly behind the entrance gate. Admission costs \u20ac3 per person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rather steep path first led us past the small summer theater at the foot of the castle complex. Events take place here, which are certainly worth a visit due to the location alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once we had reached the uppermost area, we could see some remains of the walls. The only “small” highlight is the chapel of the castle, but it was closed. As a window was slightly open, we were able to take a photo of the inside of the chapel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The somewhat “bigger” highlight is the view of the city from up here. But otherwise, and this rarely happens to me, I was disappointed. I had expected a bit more castle and fewer ruins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That a city can have so many churches \u2026. However, other churches are definitely among the sights in Kalamata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Church of Agii Ap\u00f3stoli, which translates as Church of the Holy Apostle, is the oldest church in the city. It is located in the historic center and is considered one of the most important churches in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The church dates back to the 11th century and was extended and enlarged by Emperor Androniko at the beginning of the 14th century. The church is an important historical site for the locals. On March 23, 1821, Theodoros Kolokotronis, Nikitas Stamatelopoulos, the cleric Gregorios Papaflessas and other revolutionary leaders led a revolt against the Ottomans from this place. This revolt eventually led to the liberation of Kalamata. After the victory, the population gathered in front of the church and held the first Greek Orthodox mass on free Greek territory in over 360 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The earthquake of 1986 caused extensive damage to the small church, which has since been repaired. Inside, even the frescoes from the Venetian occupation period have been restored. I think the inside of the church is very beautiful and it’s worth going inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: <\/strong>If you stand in front of the church, you can discover a street art picture showing the heroes of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What an imposing church! I was particularly impressed by the large dome and the two double bell towers. The bright yellow color of the building was radiant and enticed us to pay a visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A church stood on the same site until 1770, when it was destroyed by the rulers of the time. Today, a stone cross commemorates the destruction. It was not until 1873 that a new Ypapantian church was consecrated on the same site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I was enthralled by the nave. The smell of incense and burning candles hangs in the air, it is slightly dim but not too dark when I enter the church. There is a golden glow everywhere and I almost automatically walk reverently through the room. Beautiful icons adorn the church. One of them was discovered by the townspeople in the ruins of the destroyed church. The icon of the Virgin Mary is one of the greatest treasures of the community and is considered the protector of the town. It has been carried through the town in a procession every year since 1884.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: If you walk around the church of Ypapanti, you will discover a building with a beautiful staircase. This staircase is one of the sights that appears again and again in numerous lists of sights in Kalamata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a monastery not far from the church of Ypapanti. It was founded in 1796 by the monk Gerasimos Papadopoulos and was the first women’s monastery in the region. It is still a monastery today and one of the most inconspicuous sights in Kalamata, at least from the outside!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We enter the grounds through a door. Peace and quiet surround us as we stand in the inner courtyard. A small church stands in the courtyard and buildings, some with arcades, form the outer boundary of the monastery. Flowers are blooming everywhere and the bushes and trees are a lush green – it’s beautiful!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I later read that the monastery is famous for the cultivation and processing of silk. The women have specialized in silk painting and make tablecloths and curtains, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We stayed in two very different hotels during our time in Kalamata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hotel is located just outside the city center, which can be reached on foot in a good 20 – 30 minutes. It is a fairly large hotel complex with 188 rooms, which have either garden or sea views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We chose this hotel because an event we were attending was taking place in the congress rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our room was in an adjoining building. It was quite large and had a balcony. From there we could see the hotel’s pool area and the sea. The free WiFi reception in the room was okay, but slightly better on the balcony. However, I suspect that the Wi-Fi had reached its capacity limits. When 300 internet-savvy people are working almost simultaneously, this can happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Breakfast was included in the price of our booking. This was served in the restaurant and left almost nothing to be desired. Only the quality of the coffee could be improved, I preferred to switch to tea as the coffee caused me stomach problems. But that was the only “problem”, the buffet was otherwise really very good and varied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the evening you could go out to eat in the restaurant. We didn’t try the food, but it looked very good on the tables of the other guests. We sat in the bar in the evening and enjoyed a beer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n What I particularly liked about the Grecotel Filoxenia was its location directly on the pebble beach. Here you can walk right along the water, relax on a lounger, go for a swim and, above all, enjoy the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Blick](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-bucht-abend-1024x771.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSights in Kalamata<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Kalamata beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kalamata-Strand-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Strand](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-sonnenuntergang-strand-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHarbor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Fischerboot\"](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-fischerboot-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"fischen](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-hafen-fischen-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSights in Kalamata: Municipal Railway Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-park-bahnen-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-park-eisenbahn-waggon-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kalamata-park-schienen-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kalamata-Park-zug-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStreetart in Kalamata<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kalamata-Wandbild-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKalamatas market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Markt](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-markt-fisch-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Schnaps](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-markt-schnaps-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNekrotafio Kalamatas \u2013 the town’s cemetery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Blick](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-friedhof-von-oben-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Friedhof](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-friedhof-saeulen-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-friedhof-graeber-1024x682.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPlaces of interest in Kalamata: Kalamata Castle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
History of the castle complex<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Festung](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-festung-reste-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Festungsmauer\"](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-festung-mauern-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTour of the castle ruins<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Weg](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-festung-weg-hoch-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-festung-kapelle-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Fensterblick](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-festung-kapelle-innn-1024x771.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Ausblick](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-festung-ausblick-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKalamata’s churches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes it seemed to me that there was a small church or chapel on almost every corner. I was particularly struck by this in the narrow alleyways below the castle complex. Many of these small churches were closed and it looked as if they were no longer in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Kirche](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-kirche-georgios-1024x771.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAgii Ap\u00f3stoli<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"kleine](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamate-kleine-kirche-fussgaengerzone-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChurch Ypapanti<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ypapanti](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-gelbe-kirche-tuerme-1024x682.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Statuen](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-gelbe-kirche-statuen-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-gelbe-kirche-innen-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-treppe-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOrthodox Monastery of St. Constantine and St. Helen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-klosterhof-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Kloster](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-kloster-kirche-1024x682.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHotel tip for Kalamata<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Grecotel Filoxenia Kalamata<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Hoteltipp](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-hotel-pool-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Meerblick](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-hotel-meerblick-1024x682.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Bier](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-hotel-bier.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Abendstimmung](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-hotel-abends-1024x771.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
![\"Fr\u00fchst\u00fcck](\"https:\/\/vonortzuort.reisen\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/kalamata-hotel-2-fruehstueck-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n