Kalamata Churches - Ypapanti Church in Kalamata, Peloponnese is a magnificent cathedral built in 1839 and inaugurated in 1879. As the Virgin Mary is the patron saint of Kalamata, it's a major celebration and local holiday when the Holy Icon of the Virgin Mary (Ypapanti) is celebrated every February 2nd. The icon, which is said to date back to 672 AD, is located in the Byzantine-style church and was found in stables during Ottoman rule after one of the city's noblemen saw it in a vision. Even though the back of the icon has been burned, the front is still intact, and it's believed to have miraculous powers. The church was named in honor of the icon and an ancient temple that had previously stood on the same site. After the liberation of Greece, the small church was replaced with the new Ypapanti Church in 1873, and since then, it has been the Metropolitan Church of Kalamata. The holy icon is revered not only by the locals but by Greeks throughout the country due to the numerous miracles attributed to it, including saving the people of Kalamata from certain death. Visit Ypapanti Church in Kalamata, Peloponnese, and experience the powerful history and spirituality that surrounds it.

►View all Messinia sightseeing

Explore the best places in Kalamata!

Book a Tour Find a Room