Messolonghi: The Sacred Town and its Lagoon

Discover the rich history of Messolonghi through its captivating lake routes. 

Begin your historical expedition in this ancient city, setting sail from the port on a remarkable journey through both water and time. 

Your adventure will lead you to the enchanting island of Vassiladi, where the Saint Sostis Church awaits, adding a touch of historical charm to your voyage.

The Sacred Town of Messolonghi and its characteristics, which are its history and its natural environment with all the activities that the visitor can develop in it. The most historical islands of the lagoon and the way the visitors can reach them using traditional local boats called gaiters. One of the most beautiful routes from the town to the historic island of Vassiladi was chosen, where the visitor can admire the tranquility, the fishing methods, and the rare species of birds that live and breed there.

  • Messolonghi, the sacred town, as it has been called, has been identified more than any other Greek city with the Struggle of 1821. Messolonghi is known for its fishery products, especially the famous egg tarragon, as its lagoon is an ideal place for natural fish farming.
  •  Εtoliko, the small but full-of-life town, the “little Venice” as they used to call it, is built on a small island in the lagoons. A small, but densely populated maritime city in the water, which keeps its picturesqueness despite its connection to the land. In the middle of the 19th century, it was a commercial center with its fleet. The two multi-span stone bridges that connect Εtoliko with the mainland date back to the end of the 19th century and have been recognized as “Historic Monuments of Conservation“. Its alleys maintain the traditional style and the houses have courtyards with many flowers. It is located 10 km northwest of Messolonghi (it can be reached in just 15 minutes by car).
  • Iniades, is a municipal unit of the municipality Messolonghi. Was a port town on the west bank of the river Achelous and one of the most important towns. Iniades was first mentioned in the 5th century BC. It was an important port on the route to Corfu. The city walls are well preserved and several buildings were excavated beginning in 1900-1901:a theatre, a bath complex, and a shipyard.

What to eat in Messolonghi

In Messolonghi there are all the basic ingredients needed to produce another excellent fish food. Enough salt, sun, and many many sea bream. This is how the famous salted fish of Messolonghi, that is the small sea bream that has been left in the sun and salt for a while, served with olive oil and lemon juice.

Anguilas and the local drink «ouzo Trikene» in Messolonghi

Local customs, tradition and festivities

Every year, on the weekend of Lazarus and Palm Sunday, Messolonghi and the entire Greek nation come together to pay tribute to the indomitable spirit and profound sacrifice of the heroic Exodus of Messolonghi in 1826.

The celebration of Saint Simeon in Messolonghi serves as a vital thread in the rich tapestry of the region’s cultural heritage. This vibrant festivity unfolds twice a year, in February and May/June, embodying a tradition that intertwines history, religion, music, and dance. It stands as one of Messolonghi’s grandest celebrations, occupying a place of utmost importance in the heart of Etoloakarnania.

On August 23, the chapel of Saint Agatha, located approximately 10 kilometers from Etoliko on Mount Arakynthos, hosts the annual festival of Saint Agatha. This event holds deep national and religious significance for Etoliko, with historical roots tied to the events of the 1821 revolution. The chapel itself was erected in the years following the revolution, marking a poignant connection to this pivotal period in history.

Cultural Center of Sacred Town in Messolonghi

Pictures

University Team

Picture of Maria (Marianna) Savrami

Maria (Marianna) Savrami

She graduated in 1982, in Architecture at the University of Genoa Italy. in 2014, she had a PhD at the Mediterranean University of Calabria.
She worked at the Greek Ministry of Cultural Heritage, and associate architect, appraiser of the National Bank of Greece. Moreover, she is an active member of ICOMOS Greece and ICOMOS Italy.

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