Ancient Messini was built in 369 BC by the Theban general Epaminondas, after the battle of Leuctra, where he defeated the Spartans, invaded in Laconia and freed the Messenians from Spartian dominance. It is said that the specific location for the establishment of Ancient Messini was chosen after the discovery of Aristomenis’ will, (a Messenian hero), by priests and seers. The city got its name by the mythical early Doric queen of the country that was the daughter of the king Triopas of Argos and wife of Laconian Polykaonas. According to Pausanias, Messini became a goddess around the 10th century BC and it was eventually made one of the principal deities of the city. The layout of Ancient Messini was made according to the so-called Hippodameian system, where all buildings have the same orientation and the space is divided into horizontal and vertical axes. Ancient Messini remained the cultural center of Messinia until 395 BC , when the invasion of the Goths of Alarichos probably destroyed the city. The best time to visit Ancient Messina is definitely the spring that temperatures are mild while in the summer months as early as you get the better. Several cultural events such as concerts and theatrical performances take place every year at the archaeological site. The distance from Costa Navarino to ancient Messini is 57km. Our company provides you a high-quality private transfer to Ancient Messini and the local restaurants.