🇬🇷 Ancient Messini, The BEST SITE in the Peloponnese, Greece

[@mieke5740]

I have visited this site for 20 years already, and in the beginning even cows still walked between the excavated antiquities. Great that there is some attention for this beautiful place, but I really hope that this does not become a busy tourist attraction.

[@GreeceExplored]

I think it is so much better than Olympia, but is quite hard to find the first time, as I am sure you know! I think it will develop as they uncover more but I just hope it doesn't become too developed, I love the unfettered access you are currently allowed at the site, in comparison to say Olympia, which is so developed and invested and yet disappointing. I have an unpublished video on Olympia, which I am nervous to show because I felt so negatively about Olympia in comparison to Messini.

[@cathyharris8942]

Thank you so much for this in depth video. It is now on my list of must visit places when we visit the Peloponnese later this year. Going for a weeks and can’t wait.

[@GreeceExplored]

It is well worth a visit, I hope you have a great vacation!

[@quirkygreece]

We’ve been to Ancient Messini half a dozen times in the last four years and they are always discovering new things. The machines in the background at 8:46 are uncovering a new floor they recently found and we were given a “sneak preview” by the workers when we were there a few weeks ago. I have never seen as many people there as you seem to have - we’re usually the only ones there. I agree, it’s a stunning site and although the Acropolis in Athens is a “must see” for tourists, I very much prefer Ancient Messini, especially if you have children (or in our case grandchildren), because the young ones can roam and explore freely. A highly recommended visit. (Get your microphone fixed Andrew).

[@GreeceExplored]

I agree with everything you say. I then went to Olympia (same day) and found it so disappointing in comparison. I haven't published that video yet though because it is so, negative I am worried it is unfair. I did have a clip about the diggers too, but I took it out as the video was already so long. Messini just blew me away. I know, I have been needing to fix the sound for 6 months..... especially with the autumn now coming.

[@francoisbouchard9488]

At the risk of being accused of spam-commenting, was typing the last comment before watching the video to the end -- always a mistake. Just want to say "mind blown" over this incredible site. How is it that a country can have such an abundance of sites where this magnificent one is considered relatively unknown? It truly boggles the mind. How many lifetimes would it take to truly see all of Greece? The answer, surely, is greater than one.

[@GreeceExplored]

As always thank you. The place did blow me away. I then went straight onto Olympia, and didn't enjoy, it was poor in comparison. I have to revisit again though and make a better video (of Olympia). They have only uncovered thalf of Messini apparently too, so it will keep developing. Go while it is still quiet!

[@MARINADUDE]

Thanks for showing me this, I'll definitely be visiting there one day.

[@GreeceExplored]

I am sure you will enjoy when you do. Thank you for commenting too!

[@UpintheairFL]

Thanks again. A lot of information and will download it to my Ipad to watch when I spend a week in Kalamata

[@eddy67]

We went to Messene the other day and it was spectacular. The one thing that struck me was how far the walls are from the main excavation area. There must be tremendous amounts of material that they havent unearthed yet

[@GreeceExplored]

I agree, they reckon they have at least 50% waiting to be uncovered, it is a fabulous place!

[@robertoflynn3629]

Thanks a lot. This really brought my visit to life!

[@markbeck8384]

What a beautiful site, and this is the first time I've heard of it. This size of it is surprising.

[@GreeceExplored]

It surprised me to, a fab place, and only half has been uncovered. it was a city rather than a religious site etc.

[@graciousgreek]

Loved this. This is really close to my village, ive visited the site over years and just love the progress they have made. Cant wait to explore the Sanctuary of Isis when i visit this summer.

[@jupite1888]

Excellent

[@GreeceExplored]

Thanks!!

[@francoisbouchard9488]

Thanks for another great video showing one of the lesser known historic sites. Planning on taking the family to Greece again this fall (mid October). Last year, in the Spring, we did Athens, Nafplio, Santorini, Rhodes (and Istanbul), over two weeks. Probably Nafplio was our favorite. This time we have 7 to 10 days; thinking of spending a week in Corfu via Athens, and maybe hit some of the nearby islands. But the problem with Greece is that making a choice is always difficult, and Andrew's videos don't help 🙂. Open to suggestions if anyone wants to comment. Last fall, I did a solo trip to Crete and very much enjoyed Chania and Rethymno, so also considering taking the family there... How to decide?

[@GreeceExplored]

I am back next week, so will also have to do some more travel

[@thedesignerfurnitureco6659]

That is something else! Wow. Will definitely head here when we are next in the Pelopeneese. I don't suppose you have any videos on Achaea/Achaia/Akhaia? Pretty sure it's the only area I haven't watched you exploring! Other than Patras of course. Curious about the area between Patra to Corinthia and I'm sure you'll have very insightful views. 👍

[@GreeceExplored]

I plan to do 2 or 3 videos on Achaea in September. As you say, barring Patras, I haven't really explored that coast of the Peloponnese yet. though I love the morphology along there, it changes shortly after Corinth and becomes really rugged, but in a different way to the rest of the Peloponnese

[@stigma4]

I’ve watched this video so many times. Thank you for sharing. I do have a question, do you have any more info on the excavation works happening around the site? The temple of Isis looks like there is a large amount of halls and rooms yet to be unearthed.

[@GreeceExplored]

I haven't been back since I made the video, I believe they think they have only uncovered about half the city and that has taken them almost 30 years!! I am glad you enjoyed it is a fantastic place, I may go back later this year, will see.

[@stigma4]

@@GreeceExplored exciting stuff.

[@gilbertoarcangioli8254]

Hello, I like very much your videos, but can I suggest you a better microphone ? It's hard to understand. Have a nice day.

[@GreeceExplored]

Thanks, I agree, I have a new microphone arriving tomorrow, so I hope there will be an improvement, Glad you like what I am doing, and appreciate your feedback. It helps.

[@UpintheairFL]

Your fault again!!!! Enjoyed a great day trip to Messini this week. Unfortunately, the museum was closed but really enjoyed scampering all the way down to the stadium and back up again. Sadly, Petros Themelis, known for pioneering work at the site died last week. He directed the excavations and restoration of Ancient Messene from 1986 until his death and received the European prize Europa Nostra for his work there twice, in 2006 (Madrid) and 2011 (Amsterdam).

[@GreeceExplored]

I read of his death, it was reported in the Greek Press. Always sad. The museum is only small, a couple of rooms really, but sets the history of the site, so you didnt miss to much, Glad you are having a fab time.

[@weirdowolfstudio5409]

Imagine if Greece had the money to further excavate. They could find more

[@LordByron1821]

Thats too bad ! That the Spartans got all the glory! While the poor messinians Hellots got nothing ! Always perceived as slaves!

[@GreeceExplored]

True, but they were the builders!