Messene! One of the most significant ancient Greek cities in terms of its size, form, and state of preservation.
It possesses not only sanctuaries and public buildings, but also imposing fortifications, and houses and tombs. It enjoys, amongst other things, the advantage of never having been destroyed or covered by later settlements, and is located on an unspoiled inland site.

Its natural setting combines the grandeur of the mountains of Delphi with the low-lying, riverine tranquillity of Olympia, the dominating bare limestone mass of Ithome, the site of the ancient acropolis, with the low fertile valley around the ancient city.

This summer, Costa Navarino luxury resort hotel, located on the southwestern tip of Messene, offers vacation packages that allow its guests to visit the site of the excavations conducted by the Archaelogical Society in Ancient Messene for a day or for a whole week, and even to participate in the work being done there, i.e. to become archaeologists for a day or for a week!

According to the archeology professor and director of excavations in Ancient Messene, Petros Themelis, the best way to become acquainted with the ancient monuments is through an empirical relationship. The professor also believes that the ancient monuments should be re-used to host cultural events.

The program has been created for the general public and it allows the visitors of the area to become closely acquainted with the ancient monuments.

Guests will have the opportunity to participate in all stages of excavation through a daily or weekly schedule and to enjoy the unique experience of unearthing archaeological treasures, while learning the important process of sorting-recording and maintening the findings.