An entire ancient city rather than a single ruin, with its theatre, stadium, temples and city walls still standing in the open.
Ancient Messene was a historic city in the southern Peloponnese, located near today's village of Ancient Messini.
Built in a single winter
It was founded in the winter of 370 to 369 BC by the Theban general Epaminondas, after the defeat of Sparta, as the capital of a free Messenia.
What there is to see
It is an expansive archaeological park, where visitors can admire the remains of temples, houses, city walls and public buildings. Allow longer than you think: the site is large and much of it is still being excavated.
