Kalamata (Greece)

Kalamata is a port city in southern Greece, capital of Messinia and the 2nd largest on Peloponnese peninsula (after Patras) with population around 70,000. The region is famous for the Kalamata olives and Kalamatianos dance.

In September 1986, a 6,2 Richter magnitude earthquake caused severe damages and killed 20 people. City's economy is based on export of local products (raisins, olives, olive oil) and tourism.

From the city cruise tourists can visit the ruins of ancient Messene (Messini) in the valley below Mavromati. Steep paths lead to the ruins where major excavations are centred on Doric Temple. Further downhill is the largely intact stadium surrounded by remains of a gymnasium.