The best
of the best Ancients cities of
Greece.
On the sacred
mountain of ancient Messini , Ithomi, the heart of the ancient city used
to beat. At the foot of the mountain , remains of
this city may be seen , still surrounded by walls that are
considered to be samples of fontification techniques from the fourth
centoury BC , when
Epaminodas gathered
the Messenians , who had been scattered centuries.
The city was fortified
with what was then state of the art techniques to withstand the Spartan
incursions. The wall descended from the sides of Ithomi mountain and
reached from the eastern side to the Lacinic Gate and on the north
western side to the Arcadian gate. It was 9.024 metres (47 stadia)
long . It also hand turrets , and at short intervais there were two-storey
strong towers, with embrasures , some of which have been preserved . Of
these walls, concerning which Pausanias
writes that they were stronger than the famous walls of Byzantioum
of Rhodes, extensive portions have been sides of the Arcadian gate. The
walls were built symmetrically , with massive stones which were 2 to 2.5
metres wide and 4.5 metres high , with local limestone. At intervals along
the walls there were gates fortiflied with strong towers, which took their
names from the direction followed by the roads out of them.Today two gates
have been preserved . On the ancient paverments , there are tracks of
chariot wheels.
The Arcadian gate is dual , with two entrances which
separate a circular yard, where according to Pausanias there were
statues of the gods who protected the city. On the inside of the walls ,
which was square in shape, significant
monuments , examples of architecture from the 4th century , in
quite good condition, have been foud. On the arcaeological site today, we
can see the site of the Asclepeio , and surrounded by a dual stoa,
the theatre and the bouleuterion which was the meeting place of the
Messenian assembly . Also the temple of Artemis of whom there was a statue
for worship. Some notable relicsof the stadium have also been preserved of
the south west side, and the “Sebasteion” , or Caesareion
a building with two hals dedicated to the worship of the Roman emperors.
The distance from
Kalamata is 29 km. In area has many rooms for rent, taverns with
traditional food and café.
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