The modern city of Messina is 10 km from Kalamata and has 7000 permanent residents. Messina became the muse of writer Sotiris Patatzis, who immortalised her as a "Drunk State" in the novel of the same name. The name Messina comes from the ancient city, which was named in honour of the first mythical queen of Messenia. During the Frankish period, Messina was also known as "Nisi" (Island), a name that is still used today.
Just 4 km from the city centre, the visitor can relax on the organised beach of Bouka overlooking the endless blue. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for its clear waters. The Takis Katsoulidis Engraving Museum is also worth visiting, which was founded in 2002 and is a real gem for the city.
Every year, on September 20th, a big festival is organised that lasts for nine days. The festival is combined with the descent of the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary from the Katholikon of the Monastery of Voulkano. The procession of the image takes place for 20 kilometres throughout the night, with a crowd of people following it.
