Kalamata’s Castle Gets New Lighting and is Made Accessible to All

Photo source: Culture Ministry

People planning to visit the historic castle of Kalamata should get ready for a new experience following the monument’s further upgrade, which includes a new lighting system and accessibility improvements.

In an announcement, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said the project solved substantial accessibility problems faced by people with disabilities and mobility issues.

Restoration works at the castle’s open-air theater focused on improving access through the installation of an outside lift. A second lift that offers access to the castle’s middle frieze was also added.

The area is also wheelchair-friendly and the theater’s signs have been redesigned to provide information in the Braille system.

New lighting system

The new lighting system now highlights the features of the castle’s fortified architecture and has also upgraded its way of operation and safety procedures.

According to the ministry, the combination of light and shadow offers a “new dimension” to the monument’s architectural features.

“Our ultimate goal is to discretely showcase the castle as part of Kalamata’s night landscape and this way strengthen its presence as a historical and cultural landmark but also as a place of culture and leisure,” Mendoni said.

The castle of Kalamata is located on a rocky hill on the northwestern side of the city.

It was built in the beginning of the 13th century during the Frankish occupation on the remains of an ancient acropolis and a Byzantine fortress.