Ancient Messene
Mavrommati, Greece
One of the largest and best-preserved ancient cities in Greece, with a stadium, theatre and long city walls. It sits in a green valley below Mount Ithomi, about 30 km north-west of Kalamata.
Ancient Messene lies at the foot of Mount Ithome near the village of Mavromati in the south-west Peloponnese, Greece, about 30 km from Kalamata (roughly a 45-minute drive). Epaminondas founded the city in 369 BC after the Messenians had been freed from Spartan rule. A wall about 9 km long, seven to nine metres high and with 30 guard towers, enclosed the city. The Arcadian Gate on the road to the north is among its best-known gates.
The site includes the Asklepieion, a very well preserved sanctuary of the god of medicine, the theatre, the stadium with the gymnasium, and the museum next to the entrance. The ancient Klepsydra spring is identified with the area around Mavromati. In 2011 the site received the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage.
Walk the whole route from the Arcadian Gate to the stadium to appreciate the scale of the city. Opening hours are shorter in winter, so check them beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Mavrommati, Greece
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.1760, 21.9200
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Petalidi BeachCampsite22 km from Ancient MesseneTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in Greece · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ancient Messene?
Ancient Messene is in Mavrommati, Greece, at GPS 37.1760, 21.9200. It is about 23 km from Kalamata.
Can you camp near Ancient Messene?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Petalidi Beach, about 22 km away; within 25 km there are 1 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Ancient Messene?
Ancient Messene is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Messinia: Ancient Messene, Navarino Bay and the Venetian castles.
What is there to see near Ancient Messene?
Places worth a stop nearby: Polylimnio Waterfalls (22 km), Palace of Nestor (26 km), Neda Waterfalls (28 km) and Temple of Apollo at Bassae (29 km).
When is the best time to visit Ancient Messene?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)