Filiatra

The earhquake in 1886 was the reason why the lively city of Messinia had to be built from scratch, amid the olive groves and the vineyards. Its landmark is the reproduction of the Eiffel Tower, and its most important attraction is the historical monument of Panagia Vlacherna.

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The town’s landmark, located between Kyparisia and Gargalianoi,will make it unforgettable. The scaled reproduction of the Eiffel Tower, especially illuminated in the night, adds a special touch to the norhwest entrance of the town of Filiatra. It is 26m high, and it was created in 1960 by doctor and sculptor Charalabos Fournarakis, and it was reconstructed by the Municipality in 2007. 

The town of Filiatra was rebuilt from scratch, after its devastation by the destructive earthquake in 1886, and it is surrounded with olive groves and vineyards. In fact, in the middle of the 19th century, it was an important centre of raisin production and trade.

At Kapodistriou Square, the fountain and the Town Hall’s clock really catch the eye. Its attractions also include Fournarakeion Cultural Centre, as well as ecclesiastical monuments of Filiatra. Among others, the Byzantine church of Panagia Vlacherna stands out, in the so named park, a venue for cultural events in summer. It is a historical monument, where maintenance and restoration projects have been carried out. According to historical sources, where the modern church is located (dating before 1820) were three older ones, built in different time periods. 

A space promoting culture and openness is the Museum of Panos and Ilias Iliopoulos. Their photographs and paintings are hosted there, and workshops, tours for students, exhibitions, etc, are organised. 

The seaside port of Filiatra in the Ionian Sea is Limenari (1 km), offering great images at sunset. Other beaches are Stomioand Agrili. 

The town is 77 km away from Kalamata.

Location

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