Kalamata Castle
The medieval castle of Kalamata, built on the ruins of the acropolis of Pharai, with a view over the Gulf of Messenia.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The castle stands on a low rocky hill on the north-western side of the town and was built on the ruins of the acropolis of Pharai, an ancient town founded by Pharis, a mythical hero from Argos. It offers a wonderful view over the Gulf of Messenia. Its present form is clearly due to Geoffrey I of Villehardouin, founder of the Principality of Achaea in the early 13th century.
The medieval period, with its intense dynastic conflicts, was the time of Kalamata’s greatest prosperity. In 1410 the Byzantines of the Despotate of Mystras took control of the castle, and in 1460 Mehmed II the Conqueror captured it, expelling for good the Palaiologoi of Mystras. The castle is also linked with the well-known historical novel “Prigkipopoula Izabo” by Angelos Terzakis, whose heroine is Princess Isabella de Villehardouin.
Highlights
- Medieval castle of the Villehardouins on the ancient acropolis of Pharai
- View over the Gulf of Messenia
- Link to “Prigkipopoula Izabo” by Angelos Terzakis
- Operated by
- Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Μεσσηνίας
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Citizens of the European Union over 65 years of age from 1 October to 31 May, on presentation of ID card or passport; accompanying parents and teachers on school educational visits, and other categories defined by the Ministry of Culture. |
Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and the first and third Sunday of every month from 1 November to 31 March.
Free admission and reduced tickets are available to certain categories of visitors, in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Culture.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site has accessibility facilities for visitors with disabilities.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
On foot: about 18 minutes from the central square of Kalamata. By car: about 10 minutes from the central square.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Toilets on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
