While not as popular as the archeological sites of Epidaurus, Corinth, or Mycenae, Ancient Messene is, in my opinion, the very best of all the ancient Greek ruins and historical places in Greece.
Promising wondrously preserved remnants of a 4th-century BCE city that not only survived but prospered until the late Roman Period, ancient Messene combines beautiful historical monuments with an out-of-the-way setting that allows tourists to disconnect from modernity to fully immerse in the ancient setting.
From the best ancient ruins to where to stay and how to get there, find out everything you need to know about ancient Messene, Greece, in this visitor’s guide.
Visit Ancient Messene: A Brief Guide
Ancient Messene Opening Hours:
Winter (November 1 – March 31): 08:30 – 15:30
Summer (May 1 – October 31): 08:00 – 20:00
Ancient Messene Ticket Prices: €10/person. Discounts may apply.
Ancient Messene Address: Ιθώμη 240 02, Greece
Nearby Hotels: Messana | Το πέτρινο της Έυας | Andreas House
Tours: Messini Admission Tickets | Messinia from Athens Tour | Ancient Messene from Kalamata
Top Sights: Sanctuary of Asklepios | Temple of Artemis | Theatre Stadium | Archeological Museum of Messene
Ancient Messene Map
Ancient Messene: A Brief History
The ancient region of Messenia in Greece is believed to have been settled by the Aeolian Greeks, who established the ancient city of Ithome and was governed by the Mycenaean city of Pylos throughout the Late Bronze Age, starting around the 14th century BCE.
It is then believed that control of the region fell to the Dorian Invasion during the Greek Dark Ages (1100 BCE to 750 BCE) before ultimately being subjugated by the Spartans following the First Messenian War in around 720 BCE.
The Messenians revolted numerous times over the following centuries but were only successful in achieving their independence from the Spartans over 300 years later, in the 4th century BCE Messenia Helot Revolt, following the Battle of Leuctra.
Led by the renowned Theban general Epaminondas, the Messenians, along with an army of Boeotians and Argives, established three fortified cities to take control of the region from Spartan hands. These cities were Megapolis, Mantinea, and Messene.
By 369 BCE, Messene was officially established atop the ruins of Ancient Ithome and invited the descendants of the city’s original inhabitants, along with a collection of artisans and engineers, to construct the city walls and fortifications.
Messene flourished over the following centuries, reaching its peak in the 3rd and 2nd centuries following the construction of the Asklepieion, a large Doric sanctuary of Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine.
The city served as an important spot of healing, attracting pilgrims from all over the ancient world until the late Roman period. Messene began falling into obscurity around the 5th century CE until archaeological excavations began uncovering the site in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Things to See and Do in the Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene
1. The Asklepieion Complex
While it is believed that there were once over 300 healing temples scattered across ancient Greece, the Sanctuary of Asclepius, known as the Asklepieion, held a special place among the region’s medicinal sanctuaries, as it is believed the doctor demi-god had originated in the Messenia region, with Ithome being listed as his home in the Iliad.
Naturally, as the birthplace of the Greek god of medicine, Messene’s Asklepieion became a popular pilgrimage site for those seeking healing and was constructed during the 3rd and 2nd centuries.
Much of the extensive complex can still be seen today and includes the Odeion, the Bouleuterion, and a theatre.
2. Theatre - Stadium
Located at the bottom of the city’s hill is a massive theatre stadium overlooking some of the best views of the surrounding hills and forests.
Once responsible for hosting the city’s athletic events, the stadium is surrounded by tall Doric columns. At the end of the track is the Heroon, the city’s temple dedicated to dead heroes.
Meanwhile, at the northern end of the track, visitors can see the area that the Romans later converted into a theatre-style seating for hosting gladiator fights and other such combat events.
Boasting breathtaking views and well-preserved seating and complexes, running a lap at Messene’s ancient stadium is by far one of the most enthralling things to do in the ancient site.
3. City Walls
One of the first constructions of ancient Messene, completed only 85 days after the city’s establishment, the city walls are one of the most iconic and historical attractions in the Ancient Messene Archaeological Site.
Boasting a length of 9.5 kilometres, the walls encompass the city, the Archeological museum, Mt. Ithome, and plenty of agricultural land surrounding the region.
Guard towers are strategically placed at regular intervals throughout the length of the wall. However, the most exciting spot to visit is one of the two main entrances – the Arcadian Gate, which was restored along with a section of wall between 2003 and 2005.
4. Public Buildings
Rounding out the ruins of the Ancient city are a series of public buildings from both ancient times and the classical period. Among the most exciting of these ruined marvels are the Arsinoe Fountain, a collection of funerary monuments, the Sanctuaries of Artemis and Zeus, and a Doric temple.
While several similar ruins can be visited at numerous archeological sites throughout Greece, the well-preserved appeal and less traffic make Messene one of the best places in the country for immersing in the ancient setting.
5. Archeological Museum of Messene
While not quite as exciting as the ancient Greek ruins of the city, the Archaeological Museum of Messene is a must-stop along a tour of the site. While small, the museum features a collection of statues and artifacts collected from the archaeological excavations and retells the story of the lifestyles and arts of the city’s ancient inhabitants.
How to Get to the Ancient Messene Archaeological Site?
The easiest way to get to ancient Messene is by arranging a tour from either Athens or nearby Kalamata. However, if you are visiting by car, you can explore the entire Messene and the entire Peloponnese along this 2-week road trip.
Driving from Athens to Ancient Messene
Where to Stay Near the Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene?
Most tourists visiting Messene are either day-tripping from Athens or staying in the nearer major city of Kalamata. However, for those looking to stay within the mountains near the archaeological site, Messana Hotel promises comfortable accommodation only a short walk from the park’s entrance.
FAQS About Ancient Messene, Greece
Where is Ancient Messene?
Ancient Messene is located within the fertile valley of Mt. Ithome in southwestern Peloponnese. It is about a 40-minute drive north of Kalamata and about 3 hours from the capital in Athens.
How Much is Admission at Ancient Messene?
Entrance tickets to the Archaeological Site of Messene cost 10 euros per person. However, like many sites in Greece, the ancient does offer several discounts on holidays as well as for various age groups and tourists.
Alternatively, visitors can also arrange for private tours from Kalamata or Athens, but this costs additional fees.
How Long Do I Need to Explore Ancient Messene?
At the very minimum, Ancient Messene should be given about 2 hours to explore the ancient ruins. However, to fully experience the site, you should plan to spend three to four hours reading the historical signage and tour the museum.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near Ancient Messene?
If you are a fan of archaeological sites or want a further exploration of Greece’s ancient history, be sure to check out these nearby historical sites and places.
- Peristeras Archaeological site (38.7 km)
- Archeological Site of Megalopolis (44.8 km)
- Archaeological Museum of Pylos (53.2 km)
- Archaeological site of Mystras (77.1 km)
