Neither the famous Valley of the Temples in Sicily, nor even the much-hyped Ancient Olympia in Greece, can be compared to Ancient Messina.
Such is its greatness, that only ancient Pompeii could possibly be compared… And this is because Ancient Messina, built in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese at the foot of Mount Ithomi, is one of the most well-preserved cities of the ancient world, while the archaeological hoe brings to light more and more new parts of it.
It is a great archaeological park that highlights Messinia as one of the top destinations in Greece.
Today the visitor will need at least three hours to tour the main archaeological site which covers an area of 350-400 acres.
The first image is awe-inspiring. And what to aThe wonderfully preserved ancient theater – one of the largest in the ancient world, the well-preserved fortifications, the Church Hall with its characteristic colored mosaics, the evocative Asklepiion, the Sanctuary of Artemis with its transparent canopy, the elaborate Fountain of Arsinoe, the Gymnasium and the enormous Stadium that leaves you speechless, the Agora covering an area of 35 acres with its arcades, the imposing Propyla, the Congress or Parliament, the columns with resolutions of Messenian judges, the Roman mansions with mosaic floors…
Ancient Messina was founded in 369 BC. by the Theban general Epaminondas and his Argive allies to exclude the Spartans from the area of Messinia.
The city flourished in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. but also later in the years of the Roman conquest, as it had the privilege of self-government. It was built according to the Hippodamian system and was surrounded by a wall about 9.5 km long. much of which still stands today.
A trademark of Ancient Messina is the majestic Arcadian Gate, which is quite well preserved. It is circular, built with limestone rectangular stones of enormous dimensions, and has two entrances. The inner entrance led to a cobbled street in the direction of the city’s Agora, and the outer one led to the Arcadian capital Megalopolis.
Archaeological Museum of Ancient Messini
The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Messini houses representative finds from the excavations carried out in Messini from 1895 until the end of the 20th century. The magnificent sculptures offer the visitor the opportunity to discover the important role of Ancient Messini as a political and cultural center of the Ancient Greek world.
Schedule
Departure dates:
Every Tuesday and Thursday-
What’s Included
Professional experienced, non-smoking, English speaking drivers to offer you
a safe and comfortable trip.
Professional Licensed English and Spanish speaking Tour Guide
Whispers ( For any other language upon request )
Transport by luxury A/C BUS.
Entrance fees (if selected)
Lunch
Free Wi-Fi on coaches
All taxes
What is not Included
Lunch and Drinks.
Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites and museum.
Tips
PICK UP POINTS
METRO FIX 07:15AM
METRO SYNTAGMA SQUARE 07:30AM
OMONOIA SQUARE OUTSIDE HONDOS CENTER 07:45 AM
KARAAISKAKI SQUARE 08:00 AM
You are kindly requested to be at the pickup location 10 minutes prior to departure.
MINIMUM PARTICIPANTS 15 PERSONS
DURATION OF TOUR 12 HRS.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 48hrs in advance of the experience for a full refund
Cancellation within 48hrs before departure there is no refund
