One of Greece’s best-preserved and significant archaeological sites, Ancient Messene was discovered just forty years ago.
The city flourished in the 4th century BC after the defeat of the Spartans by the Theban General Epaminondas, ending centuries of Spartan rule. It was never subsequently destroyed or settled over, allowing an astonishing insight into life in ancient times. It was eventually abandoned around 1500 AD.
With possibly less than a third of the ancient city excavated, visitors can already marvel at Messene’s remains of a theatre, agora and gymnasium, as well as an assortment of sanctuaries, temples, statues, springs and dwellings – many of them brought to life by the writings of Pausanias.
Designed around a symmetrical grid system (known as the Hippodamian plan) rather than the more typical labyrinth to ward off attacks, the city can be seen as a forerunner to modern urban planning, with excellent fortifying walls that helped protect the gem we can all enjoy today.
Stone House Messinia 