Jaap van 't Veen's photos with the keyword: Mavrommati

One of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites, Ancient Messene is also renowned for the impressive ruins of its monumental fortification - the 9,5 km long circuit wall flanked by towers at regular intervals with two main entrances, one of which is the Arcadian Gate. Large rectangular limestone blocks were used for its construction quarried on the spot on the rocky body of Mt. Ithome which at places preserves evidence of ancient quarrying activity. The city wall was 9,5 km long and 7 to 9 metres high. It was fortified by 30 square or horseshoe-shaped guard towers with doors admitting passage to a protected walkway on top of the wall. The wall was pierced by two main gates flanked by protective structures. Through the Arcadian Gate to the north ran and still runs the main road north (to Arcadia), currently from Mavrommati. The Arcadian Gate and adjacent section of the wall up to were restored from 2003 to 2005.

Ancient Messene is considered of being amongst the most exciting and complete archaeological settlements ever discovered and one of the most beautifully situated. Little more than a lush green valley in the southwestern Peloponnese - not far away from the city of Kalamata - just 40 years ago, it now ranks as one of the most significant remains of Greek antiquity. The city was founded in 369 BC and for many years the capital of the Messinian state. It flourished in the 4th century BC after the defeat of the Spartans by the Theban General Epaminondas, ending centuries of Spartan rule. The city was never subsequently destroyed or settled over, allowing an astonishing insight into life in ancient times. A complex that some believe is little more than a third excavated has already revealed the remains of a theatre, agora, stadium and gymnasium, as well as an assortment of sanctuaries, temples, statues, springs and dwellings. Nowadays Ancient Messene is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The old monastery of Voulcanou - most probably built in the beginning of the 8th century – was located om the summit of mountain Ithomi, near amcient Messene. However, the location of the old monastery was somewhat inaccessible and unprotected against the elements, which made living conditions particularly difficult. In 1625 it was abandoned and a new one, further to the south, was set to be built by the monks. The main church of the new monastery was built in 1701 and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The church is a Byzantine domed cruciform that houses the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary Voulkaniotissa. Relics of many saints are also kept in the new monastery, while there is also a notable library with books both old and new. Voulcanou Monastery - restored in 1967 - still operates nowadays as a male convent.