Messene, Archaeological site in Messene, Greece
The extensive archaeological site exhibits monumental city walls stretching 9 kilometers, featuring the Arcadian Gate and Laconian Gate around Mount Ithome.
Epaminondas founded the city in 370 BCE after defeating Sparta at Leuctra, establishing it as the capital of liberated Messenians.
The remarkably preserved theater, built in the 3rd century BCE, accommodated 10,000 spectators for political gatherings and entertainment performances.
Visitors can explore a 400-acre archaeological park containing thousands of artifacts, monuments, internal paths, and detailed informational signs in multiple languages.
The site retains the complete urban structure of an ancient Greek city, including the gymnasium, stadium, sanctuaries, and public buildings described by Pausanias.
Location: Municipality of Messene
Inception: 371 BCE
Elevation above the sea: 330 m
Website: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh355.jsp?obj_id=2561
GPS coordinates: 37.17500,21.92000
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:44
Church of Hagia Theodora
20.6 km
Itomi
1.3 km
Voulkano Monastery
2 km
Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene
125 m
Nichoria
19.2 km
Tsakona Arch Bridge
16.4 km
Archaeological Museum of Chora
22.3 km
Church of Metamorfoseos tou Sotiros Christianoupoleos
21.3 km
Theatre of Messene
327 m
Kalamata Dance Megaron
22.5 km
Stadium of Messene
241 m
Saflaouro Castle
9.2 km
Odeion of Messene
118 m
Archaeological museum of Messene
759 m
Arcadian Gate of Ancient Messene
1.4 km
Temple of Messene
195 m
Funerary Monument K3
221 m
Old Voulkano Monastery
1.3 km
Asklepieion of Messene
83 m
Mausoleum of Saithidai
384 m
Arsinoe Fountain
324 m
Church of Agioi Apostoloi
22.5 km
Fortification walls of Messene
1.8 km
Folklore museum, Kalamata - Archontiko Kyriakou
22.5 km
Basilica of Messene
127 m
Roman villa of Messene
140 m
Arcadian Gate
1.4 km
Kadi waterfall
22.1 kmReviews
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