Kalamata counts about 50.000 people; it lies at the south-east part of the Prefecture and it is its capital and chief port ; it is situated near the ancient city of Farai mentioned by Homer, 238 km from Athens.

It was founded in the 8th century BC. The town is dominated by the 13th century castle above it built by Geoffrey de Villehardouin. On the north side of the citadel there is a small Byzantine church, dedicated to the Virgin of Kalomata (of the good eye), from which the town may have acquired its name. From the castle you can survey the expanse of sea below with its sandy and pebbly shores or turn your gaze upon the deep green plain, the "happy land" of the ancients. The old city is spread out underneath the castle. This is where the Byzantine church of the Virgin Ypapanti and the convent of the Kalograies, where the nuns weave the famous Kalamata silk, are situated.
Kalamata features numerous monuments, such as the Agioi Apostoloi Cathedral where Greek patriots first took arms and vowed to die for independence, on March 23 1821, and where the first revolutionary proclamation towards the Western Powers was drafted.
It's a town with well laid-out streets and a well-organised tourist infrastructure. Kalamata has an archaeological and folklore museum, a fine arts museum and a library containing 60.000 volumes. Every summer cultural events like concerts and plays put on by the Kalamata theatre are held in the amphitheatre of the castle. In the evening, the town comes alive, especially along the waterfront which is lined with tavernas, seafood restaurants and rotisseries.