Kalamata Castle

Kalamata Castle is a fortified building located in the current city of Kalamata in Messinia. It is located on a hill in the north-west of the city where the river Nedonas passes at its foot and more specifically at 28 Spartis Street. The castle inside included a fortified citadel and temple ruins have also been found.

In ancient times, the mythological hero Faris had built the Acropolis of the ancient city of Farai on the hill. There was the palace of the kings of the city mentioned among those who took part in the Trojan War. In the 6th century AD a Christian church was built on the ancient ruins and then the Byzantines fortified the place again.

During the Frankish occupation, it was rebuilt by the Villeardouins and new fortifications were added. Godfrey I Villardouinos made it his residence and the seat of the Barony of Kalamon, it remained in the hands of the family until 1325 when it was occupied by the Byzantines with the last owner being Maho of Aino. In the 15th century it passed into the hands of the Ottomans and in the period from 1685 to 1715 to the Venetians where they maintained the existing fortifications and added new ones.

In the 19th century it went into decline and in 1821 it was occupied by the Greeks during the revolution. In 1825 Ibrahim besieged it and caused great destruction.

Also, the castle is used to this day for various shows, events, concerts and much more.