Top Things to do in Messenia Region
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Top 10 Ancient Ruins in Messenia Region, Peloponnese
Discover the best top things to do in Messenia Region, Greece including Ancient Messini, Ancient Messini Stadium, Mycenaean Vaulted Tomb Kokla, Messini Theatre, Mycenaean Vaulted Tomb Nichoria Karpofora, Temple of Apollo Epikourios, Arcadian Gate, Peristeria Mycenean Tomb, Lefktron Castle, Lefkron Castle.
Restaurants in Messenia Region
1. Ancient Messini
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 758 reviews
Reviewed By mikeo229 - Baldock, United Kingdom
Ancient Messini is a little off the beaten track (but quiet as a result) but well worth the visit. Not only does it have two well preserved theatres (a large Amphitheater and small Roman theatre), a large Agora with surrounding buildings, several temples and a host of smaller buildings, a Roman House with good mosaics but also one of the best preserved Stadiums you could ever wish to see. Many columns are still standing, especially around the stadium and the overall setting, surrounded by mountains is simply magnificent. Away from the main site (about 1k past the Museum heading out of town) is a well preserved gate and stretch of wall and, if you turn left just before reaching the gate there is another very well preserved stretch of wall. You need at least 2 hours to visit the main site and allow perhaps 30 minutes to visit the small Museum (included in the 12 Euro entrance fee) and another hour if you want to see the wall and gate. Back in town there is a good Taverna overlooking the site.
2. Ancient Messini Stadium
3. Mycenaean Vaulted Tomb Kokla
4. Messini Theatre
5. Mycenaean Vaulted Tomb Nichoria Karpofora
6. Temple of Apollo Epikourios
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
An amazing temple site, as large as the Parthenon. Preserved under a vast tent to protect it. Its bold architecture is unique. Must be seen! Delicate columns, and striking internal design originality.
Reviewed By surya77 - Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Before our drive to Bassae and the Temple of Epikourios Apollon, we were almost put off by comments suggesting a tiring and difficult road trip, leading to a temple in the middle of nowhere, covered by a large tent. Why would one drive all the way to see a 'tented' ancient monument?? Thank God we were not put off!! The winding, tarmac road lead us through the Arcadian mountains. We loved the view and felt no difficulty or danger. As we drove through Andritsaina we came to a lovely small square, so, we stopped and had a coffee in the shade of an over 500yr old Platanos tree. Next to us ran the water from the oldest fountain of the Peloponnese. The road up to the Ancient Site of Bassae was just as pleasant. Then , suddenly, around a corner, there on the hill, stood the covered Temple of Apollo. I can only imagine what a sight that must have been for visitors before 1987, when it was not covered by the huge tent. It's remoteness and isolation is part of it's wonder and beauty. How those magnificent columns stood the test of time, againsts all elements for 2500 yrs is a wonder indeed. The Temple was build in the 5th century BC and was the first Ancient Monument in Greece to be included in the World Heritage List in 1986. A year later the tent was put up. It may sound strange and off putting to visit a monument that is so covered but, for me, this made no difference. As I walked by the columns and sat quietly beside them, I was deeply touched. So much so that I really started to cry. The energy is very very special. So, I highly recommend that if you take the road to Bassae and allow that beauty and magic to touch your hearts , too.
7. Arcadian Gate
8. Peristeria Mycenean Tomb
9. Lefktron Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
