22ndnd GYMNASIUM OF GYMNASIUM OF MESSINIMESSINI

TOURISM AND TOURISM AND ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT

CURRENT STATUS OF TOURISM IN CURRENT STATUS OF TOURISM IN

MESSINIAMESSINIA

Almost exclusively happens during the Almost exclusively happens during the summer months summer months

Sufficient infrastructuresSufficient infrastructures

Numerous beautiful beaches Numerous beautiful beaches

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONUMENTS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONUMENTS AND

OTHER SIGHTSEEINGOTHER SIGHTSEEING Ancient MessiniAncient Messini PolilimnioPolilimnio The Castles The Castles ((MethoniMethoni, , PylosPylos, , KalamataKalamata, ,

KoroniKoroni)) The beachesThe beaches

ANCIENT MESSINIANCIENT MESSINI

ANCIENT MESSINIANCIENT MESSINI

Ancient MessiniAncient Messini

Ancient Messini is located 30km, northwest of Kalamata and Ancient Messini is located 30km, northwest of Kalamata and

20km north of Messini. It was one of the biggest cities in 20km north of Messini. It was one of the biggest cities in

Greece during the Hellinistic and Roman years. It was the Greece during the Hellinistic and Roman years. It was the

capital of the free Ancient Messini.capital of the free Ancient Messini.

ANCIENT MESSINIANCIENT MESSINI The ancient area is grouped for the needs of better understanding in The ancient area is grouped for the needs of better understanding in

units such as the theater, the market, the stadium, the Iroo, the krini, units such as the theater, the market, the stadium, the Iroo, the krini, the Ikies and the byzantine construction areas. the Ikies and the byzantine construction areas.

The modern place is meant to be the two closest housing areas The modern place is meant to be the two closest housing areas which are: the kinotita and the arsinoi. which are: the kinotita and the arsinoi.

Fortunately, Ancient Messini never got destroyed or covered by Fortunately, Ancient Messini never got destroyed or covered by modern housing areas. That’s why the continuous excavations bring modern housing areas. That’s why the continuous excavations bring to light more evidence about the history of the people who built it to light more evidence about the history of the people who built it and lived there until the invasion by the Goths in 395 a.c. and lived there until the invasion by the Goths in 395 a.c.

ANCIENT MESSINIANCIENT MESSINI

The Arcadian gateThe Arcadian gate The TheatreThe Theatre The Stadium The Stadium Asklipios’ buildingsAsklipios’ buildings

THE ARKADIAN GATETHE ARKADIAN GATE It is maintained in a rather It is maintained in a rather

good condition. The city’s good condition. The city’s trademark is the two square trademark is the two square towers that protected the towers that protected the outside entrance from the east outside entrance from the east and the west. and the west.

THEATRETHEATRE

The theatre of Ancient Messini( the theatre) was The theatre of Ancient Messini( the theatre) was constructed in 3 phases starting from the 3constructed in 3 phases starting from the 3rdrd century B.C. century B.C. until the 3until the 3rdrd century A.D. ; it took its current form during century A.D. ; it took its current form during the roman years. the roman years.

STADIUMSTADIUM

The Stadium belongs to one of the most marvelous The Stadium belongs to one of the most marvelous construction complexes in terms of preservation. The construction complexes in terms of preservation. The south part of the Stadium includes 18 rows of seats. An south part of the Stadium includes 18 rows of seats. An undetachable characteristic of the Stadium is the row. It undetachable characteristic of the Stadium is the row. It is located north of the Stadium. is located north of the Stadium.

ASKLIPIOASKLIPIO It was the most conspicuous It was the most conspicuous

site in Messini, the centre of site in Messini, the centre of public life, operating at such a public life, operating at such a long side the nearby agora. long side the nearby agora.

More than 140 pedestals for More than 140 pedestals for brome slather, mincingly for brome slather, mincingly for political figures, end 5 diases political figures, end 5 diases surround the Doric order surround the Doric order temple and the altar, while temple and the altar, while many are placed along the many are placed along the stars. stars.

The Acklipia consists of an The Acklipia consists of an almost square open area with almost square open area with 4 internal stocks , open to the 4 internal stocks , open to the central open-air countryard.central open-air countryard.

POLILIMNIOPOLILIMNIO

POLILIMNIO Polimnio which is located in Boufradas municipality, 32 klm from the Polimnio which is located in Boufradas municipality, 32 klm from the

capital of the country, Kalamata, is a small paradise surrounded by capital of the country, Kalamata, is a small paradise surrounded by lakes, vineyards and olive tree fields. A virgin area in the country of lakes, vineyards and olive tree fields. A virgin area in the country of Messinias that is characterized by the unspoilt nature and the Messinias that is characterized by the unspoilt nature and the crystal clear turquoise waters. crystal clear turquoise waters.

POLILIMNIOAt this place there have been some interventions, like the construction of two parking areas in two different places of the gorge and simple path, making it accessible to the people:

The biggest lakes of the area:

•Mavri Limna

•Mavrolimna

•Kadi

•Kadoula

•Panagou

•Italou

•Stathoulas

POLILIMNIO

•The first lake is Mavri Limna. The view here is peaceful with planes all around. Springs flow in to the lake from every point.

•Mavrolimna is as big as Mavri Limna but is more impressive because it is surrounded by steep slopes and rocks and it has four small waterfalls at its entrance. •Kadi. West of the lake at its entrance is the 25 meter imposing waterfall. The depth of the lake is undefined.

• Under Kadi there is one beautiful lake called “child of Kadi or Kadoula”.

POLILIMNIO

•The lake was named after an Italian who drawned there during the occupation. On the left side of the lake there is a small waterfall with a special flow.

•Panagos lake is named after a man names Panagos, who drawned in the lake. The lake has a circular shape band is surrounded by rich vegetation.

•Stathoula lake is a lake of an oblong formation approximately 20 metres long and 7 to 8 metres wide. The vegetation is rich. On the south side of the lake are the steep hillsider.

POLILIMNIO

CASTLES OF CASTLES OF MESSINIAMESSINIA

CASTLES OF MESSINIACASTLES OF MESSINIA

KalamataKalamata PylosPylos MethoniMethoni KoroniKoroni

CASTLE OF KALAMATACASTLE OF KALAMATA In 1500 b.c, on the rock, Acropolis, of the current In 1500 b.c, on the rock, Acropolis, of the current

castle of Kalamata prince Faris founded his kingdom castle of Kalamata prince Faris founded his kingdom

as well as his town, named after him, Farai. During as well as his town, named after him, Farai. During

the 6the 6th th b.c century, on the ancients ruins of the town b.c century, on the ancients ruins of the town

of Farai, the Christians built a church to which they of Farai, the Christians built a church to which they

vowed a picture of Virgin Mary. Because of her vowed a picture of Virgin Mary. Because of her

beautiful, black eyes Mary (Kalomata means beautiful, black eyes Mary (Kalomata means

beautiful eyed in Greek). The town of Farai was beautiful eyed in Greek). The town of Farai was

named Kalamata after named Kalamata after “kalomata”“kalomata” Virgin Mary. Virgin Mary.

FRANKS PERIODFRANKS PERIOD When, in 1205, Kalamata and its castle were enslaved by the Frank conquerors, the When, in 1205, Kalamata and its castle were enslaved by the Frank conquerors, the

rock of Acropolis of the ancient Farai was fortified with thick stone walls and become rock of Acropolis of the ancient Farai was fortified with thick stone walls and become a fortress. (and mainly the side of the church they used it for maition, they put a fortress. (and mainly the side of the church they used it for maition, they put around ts walls 2,5 meters fat and they built a tower with a lot of flors). The church around ts walls 2,5 meters fat and they built a tower with a lot of flors). The church was used as a mold. Around it thick walls of 2,5 meters were erected and a multi-was used as a mold. Around it thick walls of 2,5 meters were erected and a multi-storey tower was built.storey tower was built.

The first floor of the tower was on the top of the church dome.The first floor of the tower was on the top of the church dome. The Frags ruled Kalamata for 255 years. They came in 1205 and they were driven The Frags ruled Kalamata for 255 years. They came in 1205 and they were driven

away by the Turkes in 1460. away by the Turkes in 1460.

CASTLE OF PYLOSCASTLE OF PYLOS The The ΟΟthomans began building the castle of Pylos in 1575 by thomans began building the castle of Pylos in 1575 by

aim of its construction was to control the north entrance into aim of its construction was to control the north entrance into the cove of Navarino. It was named Niokastro contrury to the the cove of Navarino. It was named Niokastro contrury to the castle of Koryfasio, which controlled the west entrance and castle of Koryfasio, which controlled the west entrance and the old harbor. It stayed in the possession of Turks until the old harbor. It stayed in the possession of Turks until 1686, when it was given to Veneti. In 1715 the Turks 1686, when it was given to Veneti. In 1715 the Turks recaptured Newcastle together with Koroni and recaptured Newcastle together with Koroni and Palionavarino. After Greece liberated, it was used as a Palionavarino. After Greece liberated, it was used as a prison before being handed to the Archeological office.prison before being handed to the Archeological office.

THE CASTLE TODAYTHE CASTLE TODAY

In its current from it In its current from it consists of the consists of the hexagonal hexagonal acropolis and its acropolis and its rampart two rampart two quadrangular quadrangular bastions. Within the bastions. Within the walk very few walk very few buildings have buildings have been saved from been saved from destructiondestruction

CASTLE OF PYLOSCASTLE OF PYLOS

In 1998 the place was In 1998 the place was given to the Authority given to the Authority of Marine Antiquities. of Marine Antiquities. The visitor has the The visitor has the chance to see the chance to see the castles acropolis, the castles acropolis, the temple of temple of Metamorfosi SotirosMetamorfosi Sotiros

During the years During the years 1922-1987, Niocasto 1922-1987, Niocasto was renovated was renovated extensively.extensively.

CASTLE OF METHONICASTLE OF METHONI

The imposing castle of The imposing castle of Methoni is situated on Methoni is situated on the southwest point of the southwest point of peloponnisos in the peloponnisos in the country of Mesinia. The country of Mesinia. The harbor of this fortified harbor of this fortified town has been famous town has been famous since the years.since the years.

CASTLE OF METHONICASTLE OF METHONI

The name of the city and its citizens’ was chosen by Pausanias to The name of the city and its citizens’ was chosen by Pausanias to be Methoni, named after his daughter Enea and after the island be Methoni, named after his daughter Enea and after the island which was near the city and was called “Mothon lithos”. which was near the city and was called “Mothon lithos”.

Later the city was fortified and favored by many emperors.Later the city was fortified and favored by many emperors.

CASTLE OF METHONICASTLE OF METHONI

Today the walls of city still stand imposing. The castle of Methoni Today the walls of city still stand imposing. The castle of Methoni occupies all South Western corner.occupies all South Western corner.

CASTLE OF KORONICASTLE OF KORONI

The castle which was given as a feud to Vileardouinous The castle which was given as a feud to Vileardouinous family did not remain the possession of Franks for long. family did not remain the possession of Franks for long. In 1206 Veneti, who were looking for new naval stops for In 1206 Veneti, who were looking for new naval stops for commercial reasons succeeded in conquering Koronicommercial reasons succeeded in conquering Koroni

TURKS PERIODTURKS PERIOD In 1500 Bagiazit conquered the castle of Methoni and the In 1500 Bagiazit conquered the castle of Methoni and the

people in Koroni were so terrified by the slaughter in Methoni people in Koroni were so terrified by the slaughter in Methoni that they finally surrendered. In 1532 Koroni was conquered that they finally surrendered. In 1532 Koroni was conquered by the allied navy of king Charles the 5by the allied navy of king Charles the 5 thth. .

The ruins of the castle, a silent witness of all evils that were The ruins of the castle, a silent witness of all evils that were bestowed upon Pelloponisos during the ruling by the Eneti bestowed upon Pelloponisos during the ruling by the Eneti and the Turks, today are ravaged.and the Turks, today are ravaged.

THE CASTLE TODAYTHE CASTLE TODAY You can go up the castle quite easily if you follow the path You can go up the castle quite easily if you follow the path

going through the cobble – stone pavements. The main going through the cobble – stone pavements. The main entrance of the castle is in the north side.entrance of the castle is in the north side.

There are no inhabitants living in the castle today apart from a There are no inhabitants living in the castle today apart from a couple of families who live in houses which have been rebuilt couple of families who live in houses which have been rebuilt or renovated.or renovated.

MESSINIAN MANIMESSINIAN MANI

The area of Messinian Mani has The area of Messinian Mani has 6000 inhabitants and consist of 6000 inhabitants and consist of 19 districts the capital of which 19 districts the capital of which is Kardamiliis Kardamili

THE VILLAGES OF MANITHE VILLAGES OF MANI

Two of the main Two of the main villages are villages are Kardamile and Kardamile and Stoupa. Stoupa.

In Kardamile the In Kardamile the old town with its old town with its inhabited towers inhabited towers has been has been preserved.preserved.

There we find the postbyzantine church There we find the postbyzantine church of Agios Spyridon the bell of which was of Agios Spyridon the bell of which was looted by pirates. looted by pirates.

Stoupa is characterized as the fairy of Stoupa is characterized as the fairy of the Messinian bay. It is newly founded the Messinian bay. It is newly founded village which developed quickly in a village which developed quickly in a famous tourist attraction the famous tourist attraction the picturesque beaches attract the visitors picturesque beaches attract the visitors from all over the world. from all over the world.

Finally the main beaches in the Finally the main beaches in the municipality, safe for swimming with clean municipality, safe for swimming with clean water are Ritsa, Kalamitsi, Foneas, water are Ritsa, Kalamitsi, Foneas, Kaminia, Kalogria, Stoupa and Platis Kaminia, Kalogria, Stoupa and Platis ammos. ammos.

MESSINIA’S BEACHESMESSINIA’S BEACHES

MAIN FEATURESMAIN FEATURES

Easily accessibleEasily accessible

Boast translucent waterBoast translucent water

Many touristic facilitiesMany touristic facilities

MESSINIA’S BEACHESMESSINIA’S BEACHES

The beaches in Messinia are countless, and cater for every taste.The beaches in Messinia are countless, and cater for every taste.

White sand, thick pebbles, steep rocks.White sand, thick pebbles, steep rocks.

A big impressive beach is the one in Kalamata. The big beach A big impressive beach is the one in Kalamata. The big beach

with the palm trees and the colorful umbrellas along the boulevard of with the palm trees and the colorful umbrellas along the boulevard of

Navarinou is one of the most beautiful sports for a walk in Kalamata. Navarinou is one of the most beautiful sports for a walk in Kalamata.

Another wonderful beach is Agios Nikolaos beach. The beach Another wonderful beach is Agios Nikolaos beach. The beach consist of a fine pebbles.consist of a fine pebbles.

Messinis beach, Bouka is one of the biggest and best organized Messinis beach, Bouka is one of the biggest and best organized beaches of messinia’s. It is a large area covered with fine pebble, beaches of messinia’s. It is a large area covered with fine pebble, and many facilities. and many facilities.

Finally, another wonderful beach is Finikounta’s beach. In the center Finally, another wonderful beach is Finikounta’s beach. In the center of Finikounta you will find the beach full of tourists. Beautiful sand of Finikounta you will find the beach full of tourists. Beautiful sand and amazing waters are the reasons why people prefer it.and amazing waters are the reasons why people prefer it.

MESSINIA’S BEACHES

TAYGETOSTAYGETOS The range of Taugetos, has long now been connected to the The range of Taugetos, has long now been connected to the

ancient Greek mythology and was named after Taygeti one of the ancient Greek mythology and was named after Taygeti one of the seven Atlantides or Pleiades, daughters of Atlanta and Pleoni. seven Atlantides or Pleiades, daughters of Atlanta and Pleoni.

During the Byzantine years Taygeto’s name Pentadaktylos During the Byzantine years Taygeto’s name Pentadaktylos because of its five tops. because of its five tops.

The range of Taygetos is 115km long, 30km maximum wide and The range of Taygetos is 115km long, 30km maximum wide and covers an over of 2500 km which consists of four main parts covers an over of 2500 km which consists of four main parts a)the north, b)the middle east, c) the west and d) the south a)the north, b)the middle east, c) the west and d) the south Taygetos that forms the peninsula of Mani. Taygetos that forms the peninsula of Mani.

TAYGETOSTAYGETOS

Taygetos consists mainly of linestones and marble, while it is rich in Taygetos consists mainly of linestones and marble, while it is rich in water. water.

The climate is generally mild with immense snowfalls during the winter. The climate is generally mild with immense snowfalls during the winter. The biggest part is covered with trees and pines and has a big number of The biggest part is covered with trees and pines and has a big number of

streams and small rivers. streams and small rivers. Taygetos shows a big variety of flora and fauna because of its size with Taygetos shows a big variety of flora and fauna because of its size with

25 exclusively native species while it is a crossroads for the migrant 25 exclusively native species while it is a crossroads for the migrant birds. birds.

TAYGETOSTAYGETOS

Taygetos like most mountains in Greece faces environmental Taygetos like most mountains in Greece faces environmental problems, for effuse land clearings and overgrazing, which problems, for effuse land clearings and overgrazing, which unfortunately has prevented the nature process of tree regeneration. unfortunately has prevented the nature process of tree regeneration.

Also quarrying activities road construction works and arbitrary building Also quarrying activities road construction works and arbitrary building can cause irreparable changes to the environment. can cause irreparable changes to the environment.

In Taygetos there are still small villages of distinct local color and it still In Taygetos there are still small villages of distinct local color and it still operates an a shelter at the altitude of 1600 meters.operates an a shelter at the altitude of 1600 meters.

RESEARCH RESULTSRESEARCH RESULTS

Do you believe that our beaches are clean Do you believe that our beaches are clean and accessible to the visitors?and accessible to the visitors?

0

5

10

15

20

25

YES NO PROBABLY

The morphology of Messinia affects The morphology of Messinia affects tourism?tourism?

61%

39%

YES

NO

Are there sufficient infrastructures and Are there sufficient infrastructures and facilities capable of covering the needs of facilities capable of covering the needs of

tourism in our area?tourism in our area?

39%

61%

YES

NO

TourEnTourEn Project TeamProject Team

STUDENTS: Galanopoulou Kontantina, Douroumi Antonia, Dimopoulos Giorgos, Karteroliotis STUDENTS: Galanopoulou Kontantina, Douroumi Antonia, Dimopoulos Giorgos, Karteroliotis Dimitris, Mouselinou Georgia, Mouselinos Spiros, Polixronis Vasilis, Nikolopoulos Giannias, Dimitris, Mouselinou Georgia, Mouselinos Spiros, Polixronis Vasilis, Nikolopoulos Giannias, Douroumis Panagiotis , Tsami Eleni, Farmaki Anastasia, Poulakou Eleftheria, Papakotsi Lydia, Douroumis Panagiotis , Tsami Eleni, Farmaki Anastasia, Poulakou Eleftheria, Papakotsi Lydia, Sourilas Aleksandros, Stasinopoulou Vasiliki, Routsis Aleksandros, Kiriakakis Marios, Mourikis Sourilas Aleksandros, Stasinopoulou Vasiliki, Routsis Aleksandros, Kiriakakis Marios, Mourikis PanagiotisPanagiotisTEACHERS: Zevgitis Thodoris, Cronias Giorgos, Mitropoulou Georgia, Klabatsea SpiridoulaTEACHERS: Zevgitis Thodoris, Cronias Giorgos, Mitropoulou Georgia, Klabatsea Spiridoula