Ancient Messene is being upgraded with modern visitor facilities that are tailored to the new archaeological data, with the removal of unnecessary areas and the direct connection of buildings through special pathways to the under-construction New Archaeological Museum.
The vision of the late archaeologist Petros Themelis, who for nearly 40 years transformed Ancient Messene into a point of reference, seems to be coming to fruition with the New Archaeological Museum, a long-standing request of both himself and the local community, which is currently in the study phase. Additionally, there is an upgrading of individual areas. Apart from the museum, which has already been announced, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, following the recent approval of the Central Archaeological Council (KAS), has announced the specific changes that will be made to showcase the archaeological site in its entirety, along with further modernization.
The visit to the archaeological site of Ancient Messene is of immense importance. Anyone who has had the opportunity to visit it cannot help but admire the impressive theater, with a capacity of over 10,000 spectators, one of the largest and most imposing of Antiquity and the Hellenistic Era, built in the 3rd to 2nd century BC, where, according to Pausanias, spectacular performances were once enjoyed.
In a vast area under olive trees, the visitor can wander through the remains of these impressive buildings, admire not only the parts that hosted the distinct spectacles but also all the other significant archaeological points, such as the various sides of the stadium, to feel as if transported back to Roman times – just shout very loudly to hear the echo on the other side of this vast space that once exuded the grandeur of the area.
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This is aided by the careful reconstruction of the monuments, which aim to precisely recreate how the inhabitants lived and behaved during those times, according to the archaeological perception that wants the remnants to speak to the present, as well as according to Themelis’s perspective, which aimed to bring the city to the present. Thus, according to this plan, one can have a holistic experience of Ancient Messene and understand exactly how it functioned back then.
At this point, special guided pathways play a significant role, which are expected to be further illuminated and highlighted, connecting both the theater, the stadium, and the Odeon, as well as the sanctuaries, such as that of Isis, a revered goddess mentioned by Plato, and of Serapis, along with the funerary monuments, the Agora, the Gymnasium, and the Asclepieion. Impressively, it’s not just the majestic remains of the buildings that have captured the attention of archaeologists, but also the beautiful mosaics of the area.
The upgraded and modernized features are all showcased optimally thanks to the new plan initiated by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Peloponnese Region and the Municipality of Messene for the enhancement of Ancient Messene, unanimously approved by the Central Archaeological Council (KAS). Specifically, based on the final architectural study, the northern entrance of the archaeological site is being transformed, while the ticket office and the parking area are being abolished, although the snack bar located a short distance away on a small hillside is being retained. After the discovery of antiquities, the new building complex, covering an area of 217 square meters, was redesigned in the northern part of the property.
According to the architectural program, the proposed complex will include a gift shop, ticket office, screening room, visitor and staff facilities, and a rest area with a medical station.
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