Ancient Messini, the village of Mavromati, and the Voulkano Monastery sit close enough together that you can easily combine all three in a single, unhurried day.
Morning: Ancient Messini
Start early, at opening time. Begin at the archaeological museum in Mavromati for context, then set aside two to three hours for the site itself: city walls, agora, theatre, Asclepeion and stadium. See our practical visitor guide for tickets and route.
Around midday: the village of Mavromati
Mavromati sits literally in the middle of the archaeological site, on the western slope of Mount Ithomi. The village is named after an ancient spring — a clepsydra — where water has flowed from the mountain for centuries. Take time here for a short walk through the village and lunch on a terrace overlooking the Messinian plain.
Afternoon: the Voulkano Monastery
High on Mount Ithomi, right in the heart of ancient Messini, stands the imposing Voulkano Monastery, founded in the 17th century. The current Holy Monastery of Voulkano on the eastern side of Ithomi was established in 1625 and restored in 1967. At the centre of its courtyard is the domed cross-shaped church, dedicated to the Panagia Voulkaniotissa. The view from here over the Messinian plain is one of the finest in the whole region.
This Panagia Voulkaniotissa is the same icon at the centre of the region’s biggest annual folk festival in Messini around 19–20 September — see our events calendar for the current dates.
Good to know for this day
- Your own transport is essential for this route.
- Bring plenty of water; there’s little shade on the site or the mountain road to the monastery.
- Check dress code before visiting the monastery — covered shoulders and knees are expected.
Back to the full overview: Ancient Messini.
Leave a Reply