Museum Of Ancient Messene
Peloponnese
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Choose time
- 8:00-10:00
- 10:00-12:00
- 12:00-14:00
- 14:00-17:00
For the remaining free or reduced fare categories of tickets, which are not available on the internet, please come to the ticket offices for their issue. Persons with disabilities who have received a certificate issued by gov.gr will be admitted directly to the venue by scanning the relevant certificate.
The ticket is valid for tha Arxaiological site and for the Museum of Messene and can be used only for the selected date.
Ancient Messene was founded by the Theban general Epameinondas in 369 B.C. who ended the long-term Spartan occupation in Messenia. The center of the public life was the building complex of the Asklepieion along with the nearby Agora. Among the various secular buildings are the Τheater the Stadium-Gymnasium the Arsinoe Fountain as well as bath complexes and urban Roman villas. Sacred buildings and shrines were dedicated to the worship of Artemis Messana Demeter and Dioscuri Zeus Soter Poseidon Aphrodite Cybele Serapis and Isis but also to the worship of heroes and settlers such as Aristomenes and Epameinondas and of the Venerable Roman emperors. Impressive grave monuments were erected in honor of benefactors of the city but also of men who were honored as heroes after their death. The Asklepieion and other buildings were full of remarkable works of art such as the sculptures of the Messenian sculptor Damophon. The city was in decline from the 3rd century A.D. onwards and was abandoned in A.D. 360/370. The area was re-inhabited in Early Byzantine times [5th-7th centuries AD] until 1500 AD.The Archaeological Museum at the western edge of the village of Mavromati Ithomi [Ancient Messene] was built between 1968 and 1972. The exhibits help visitors having a comprehensive picture of the history of the city and its importance in the ancient world. Some of the most impressive and valuable finds of the excavations are the statues of Hermes Doryphoros [Spear Bearer/Theseus] Artemis Laphria Isis Pelagia as well as works by the Messenian sculptor Damophon.
Ancient Messene was founded by the Theban general Epameinondas in 369 B.C. who ended the long-term Spartan occupation in Messenia. The center of the public life was the building complex of the Asklepieion along with the nearby Agora. Among the various secular buildings are the Τheater the Stadium-Gymnasium the Arsinoe Fountain as well as bath complexes and urban Roman villas. Sacred buildings and shrines were dedicated to the worship of Artemis Messana Demeter and Dioscuri Zeus Soter Poseidon Aphrodite Cybele Serapis and Isis but also to the worship of heroes and settlers such as Aristomenes and Epameinondas and of the Venerable Roman emperors. Impressive grave monuments were erected in honor of benefactors of the city but also of men who were honored as heroes after their death. The Asklepieion and other buildings were full of remarkable works of art such as the sculptures of the Messenian sculptor Damophon. The city was in decline from the 3rd century A.D. onwards and was abandoned in A.D. 360/370. The area was re-inhabited in Early Byzantine times [5th-7th centuries AD] until 1500 AD.The Archaeological Museum at the western edge of the village of Mavromati Ithomi [Ancient Messene] was built between 1968 and 1972. The exhibits help visitors having a comprehensive picture of the history of the city and its importance in the ancient world. Some of the most impressive and valuable finds of the excavations are the statues of Hermes Doryphoros [Spear Bearer/Theseus] Artemis Laphria Isis Pelagia as well as works by the Messenian sculptor Damophon.
From 1st of April until 31 of August 08:00 - 20:00
Last entrance to the Site at 19:30
On the 1st of September the opening hours apply, due to a gradual reduction in the length of the day, as follows:
1st to 15th September 08:00 - 19:30
Last entrance to the Site at 19:00
16th to 30th September 08:00 - 19:00
Last entrance to the Site at 18:30
1st to 15th October 08:00 - 18:30
Last entrance to the Site at 18:00 and
16th to 31st October 08:00 - 18:00
Last entrance to the Site at 17:30
Last entrance to the Site at 19:30
On the 1st of September the opening hours apply, due to a gradual reduction in the length of the day, as follows:
1st to 15th September 08:00 - 19:30
Last entrance to the Site at 19:00
16th to 30th September 08:00 - 19:00
Last entrance to the Site at 18:30
1st to 15th October 08:00 - 18:30
Last entrance to the Site at 18:00 and
16th to 31st October 08:00 - 18:00
Last entrance to the Site at 17:30
The archaeological museum of ancient Messene is located at a distance of 500 m. north of the entrance to the archaeological site, near the modern settlement of Ancient Messene [formerly Mavromati] and at a distance of about 32 km NW of Kalamata. Outside the museum passes the road that leads to the Arcadian Gate in the NW, as well as to other archaeological sites and monuments in the wider area.
The archaeological site of ancient Messene offers an electric vehicle for the transport of people with disabilities to the most important monuments.
At the "HELLENIC HERITAGE" Museum Shop you will find a variety of publications related to the place you visited, faithful copies of exhibits from the museums of Greece, a range of souvenirs such as fridge magnets, mirrors, notepads, etc., as well as items for the home, gifts, jewelry, scarfs, toys, etc. inspired by the Greek cultural heritage.
A visit to our Museum Shop completes your experience as a visitor, while the proceeds from the sales support the work of the archaeological service.
A visit to our Museum Shop completes your experience as a visitor, while the proceeds from the sales support the work of the archaeological service.