Ancient Messina - a lively history

Ancient Messina is an ancient city located on the Peloponnese peninsula, at the foot of Mount Itomi, and is considered one of the best preserved cities of ancient Greece. Ancient Messina is not as well known to tourists as Corinth, Sparta and Ancient Olympia, but deserves no less attention.

The city was one of the largest and most influential cities of ancient Greece. Ancient Messina is a whole city-polis, with houses, temples, sports grounds, an ancient theater and the famous massive Arcadian Gate. The stadium of Ancient Messina is one of the best preserved and impressive attractions, which is visited annually by thousands of tourists.

Archaeological excavations in Ancient Messina are being conducted at the present time, and the well-preserved and skillfully restored ancient city appears to the attention of visitors.

As a result of the two Messina wars, the city was severely destroyed and in 369 BC. e. rebuilt by the Theban king and commander Epaminond in honor of the victory over the militant Sparta, which for centuries oppressed the region of Messinia. Subsequently, Messina became the new capital of the region of Messina, its first capital was the ancient city of Pylos.

On the territory of Ancient Messina there is a restored amphitheater, the sanctuary of the god of medicine and healing Asclepius, the Gymnasium, the administrative center of the city and an impressive huge stadium with majestic columns. The Messina Museum contains priceless finds found during the archaeological excavations of the ancient city.

Among the finds are works by Damophone himself, a famous sculpture of the Hellenistic period that was originally from Messina. In Asklepion is his grave.

During the tour of Ancient Messina you will see the Treasury of the city, the agora, the fountain of Arsinoe of mother Asclepius, the Heron of Sephides built in the Doric style and learn what it was intended for, and also learn about the most shameful page in the history of Messina.

You will have the opportunity to sit on the throne in the amphitheater, admire the mosaic laid out 2200 years ago, touch the culture of the ancient city and set foot on the land where the great people of ancient Greece were born, lived and created, who left us a great heritage.

After exploring the archaeological site, we will head to the museum, where you will get acquainted with the invaluable finds of archaeologists in Ancient Messina.

Not far from Ancient Messina, in the mountains, there is a small monastery of St. George. The church, courtyard and all the buildings of the monastery are lined with stone, which gives the monastery a special individuality. From the monastery stretches a beautiful view of the mountains and surroundings. After a tour of ancient Messina, we will go to this monastery.

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