Kalamata
Kalamata (Greek: Καλαματα) is a city in southern Greece, on the Peloponnesos, by the Mediterranean. It is the capital of the Messinia prefecture. In 1991 the city had 44,052 inhabitants.
The city is located west of Sparta, and can be reached from this and 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 island of Kythira.
The Gulf of Messinia where Kalamata is located has various long beaches.
Olives and olive oil are important products that are exported from Kalamata.
The name Kalamata
The name Kalamata may have something to do with the Greek kalo mata which means good eye. A Byzantine church near the city is devoted to the virgin of Kalomata.
Brief history of Kalamata
Contrary to 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. In 1825, Ibrahim Pasha destroyed the city during the Greek war of independence. Furthermore, the city has suffered much damage from earthquakes.
Sights in and around Kalamata
- Byzantine church
- Cultural happenings like dance festivals
- Castle from the 13th century CE.
- Marina
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