Athens to Ancient Messene Tour
Duration
Availability
Group Type
PRICE
SUV Car: Ask for price(up to 4 pax)
In Brief
AN EPIC ANCIENT CITY BEING REVEALED
Let’s visit an archaeological site that doesn’t resemble any other Greek site. It is practically a park like archaeological site, an open air museum within a lush environment, filled with olive groves and vineyards. You will witness imposing temples, colossal buildings, impressive fortifications and major finds that rival those of Ancient Olympia, mansions, stadiums and parliaments. Ideally situated on a fertile valley over a hillside it is still undergoing archaeological excavations, Ancient Messene is a destination for your bucket list.
Spreading on the southern slopes of Mt Ithomi, once the strongest natural and manmade fortress of Messenia, Ancient Messene , with its monumental constructions of the Arcadian gate, was founded in 369 BC by the Theban general Epaminondas and it became the capital of the free Messenian state, following a long period of occupation of the Messenian territory by the Spartans. Strong fortification walls with towers and gates are preserved along a course of nearly ten (10) kilometers. In terms of size and preservation, Ancient Messene is one of the most important cities of antiquity, and definitely worth a visit, as it has the rare advantage of not being destroyed by other settlement, and being an untouched Mediterranean natural environment par excellence.
It has a series of reconstructed monumental structures including the Ecclesiasterion, the Theatre, and the Arsinoe Fountain, the Boulefterion, the Agora and the Stadium as well as an extensive group of funerary monuments. However, the most impressive monument of the site is the huge Stadium and Gymnasium, which has stood the passage of time and has been preserved so that visitors can marvel it in all its grandeur.
The contrast between an almost “epic city” with the delicate Messenian landscape is impressive and will definitely blow your mind.
Know before you go: Tours with a licensed expert guide
As we want to offer the best service to our guests, we have carefully
selected expert licensed guides to ensure the best experience possible.
Our team consists of a group of young professionals of high-expertise
in the fields of Archaeology, History, History of Arts or graduates
of the official 'Greek State School of Tour Guides'.
Hence, they are well-trained to share their knowledge with the public
in an interesting and fun way. Their academic background works as a
springboard, immersing you into the wealth of Greek culture and holding
your undivided attention for the whole duration of the tour. Despite the
aforementioned assets though, it is their enthusiastic character and
passion about their field of study that unquestionably guarantees you a
memorable tour experience.
- Corinth canal
- The Arcadian Gate
- The theatre
- The Ekklesiasterion (Citizens meeting point)
- The War memorial (Heroon)
- Arsinoe’s Spring
- The stadium
- The parliament (Voulefterion)
- The gymnasium
- The Roman villa
- The coastal city of Kalamata
