Messinia

Messinia is an absolutely outstanding classical site, but little known. For a simple reason. It is hard to get to. So it is not on the usual ancient Greek tourist circuit. But with one's own transport and a will, one can find these places. This was the highlight of the holiday for me, but was really as much as anything just thought of as an interesting place to stop at on a circuitous return to Athens. We didn't have a feel for its magnificence until we got there. Quite simply if you aren't going to get much in the way of visitors because of your location, you get no advertising. What is the point?

Now Messinia was the ancient rival and neighbour to Sparta. But no match for the Spartan war machine, hence you will have heard of the Spartans but probably not the Messinians. However, the remains of the old polis are extensive and impressive. And there were only handful of other visitors in the enormous site. Bliss. (I took a lot of photos. Strap in.)

While the theatre was impressive, the athletics stadium was even more so.

Great location for a little temple. Marvellous views across the plain.

Inside the tholos

And after I was finally dragged away from the site, we found a truly wonderful place for a grilled lunch, with superb views.