Great Journey 🏍 Day 172
Messene used to be the capital of Messinia (probably some 2400 years ago). On the signposts we read "Ancient Messini", not to be confused with Messini, which is located directly by the sea just before Kalamata.
It is said to be one of the most beautiful and best-preserved archaeological sites in Greece. Archaeologists have made a find here on a huge area. Temples, sanctuaries and a stadium. The theatre, which could probably accommodate around 10,000 visitors, looks fantastic.
Unfortunately we can't go in, all the museums are currently closed. This leaves us with a tour outside the fence, the lens of our camera squeezes through the fence bars, my binoculars bring me closer to the ancient site and we rely on a few aerial shots. The really good thing is that Messene lies in a valley, we roll up the mountain roads and can enjoy the view of the ancient polis (= city) from here.
And: we hope that we can come here again this year when the situation eases. Then we will sit in the taverna for a lunch break instead of at the fountain with crispbread and slices of cheese and then wander through the entire excavation site.
#messene #ancientMessini
