Kalamata's Castle

Beautiful place for the views, most of the castle has been destroyed, but still worth a visit. It’s nice hike, but can be quite hot in summer time. The entrance was €5

The 5 euro entry fee is minimal and while there isn’t much left of the castle, the short climb to the top is worth it for the spectacular views of Kalamata city below. There is also an open air theatre which hosts some events. When we visited there was equipment set up for a show and plastic chairs in jumbled piles. My son turned one of the chairs the right way up and sat on it, taking a break from the 36 degree heat. A bloke suddenly appeared and (apologetically) told him not to touch the chairs and to sit on the stone step instead. Quite odd behaviour, we were hardly putting his plastic chair in any danger but in this summer heat people can act in strange ways. 🤷‍♂️

The acropolis of ancient Pharrhae (which was the name of the city until about the 10th century) is a construct that was initially built in the Mycenean Era, as it is clearly referred to as one of the cities promised to Achilles in order to rejoin the War. The benefits of the position, upon an elevated rocky formation with competent natural defenses and overlooking an irrigated fertile plain and a navigable gulf with access to port facilities and right beside a river to ensure its water supply, were quickly acknowledged and put to use. Just as the Mycenean remains have been lost beneath the overstructures, it is quite possible that a Neolithic Megaron lies even further below. What we see today is the result of a series of reconstructions, beginning from the Byzantine era. The Franks of the 4th crusade renovated the site extensively in the 13th century. Of the many others who came to possess the castle, the Venetians were the ones to work systematically upon it. Finally, the Ottomans kept it operational until the Greek revolution in 1821, when this was the first strategic victory of the independence-thirsting revolutionaries. Easy to visit, great for pics, and with immediate access to refreshments just a few blocks away, if the above is of little interest.

Kalamata Castle is an impressive structure that showcases the rich historical and cultural heritage of Greece. From the top, overlooking the city and the harbor, you can deeply feel the stories of the past and the significance the castle has carried through the years. Visiting offers an unforgettable experience, combining a journey through history with the breathtaking beauty of the views.

We really enjoyed our trip to the castle. It is definitely a workout on the legs. We parked down by the market and walked up. There is also parking at the top. Great view, we basically had the mountain top to ourselves.

I loved this tranquil place surrounded by pine trees. A great place to stop and breathe, appreciate the scent of the trees, and just relax for a while. Not much to see as far as the ruined castle goes, but the views are wonderful, the trees provide shade, and there are toilets.

I would only go there for the view. There is nothing much to see but a small church, which is closed. It only cost €3 (I think it's cheaper for EU citizens or local people), to basically go up some stairs. I didn't see any signed of what the sight may have looked like in the past. The entrance looks nice though.

Not worth the 5 euro to pay The view is nice and all That's it