Museum of Military History Kalamata
Museum of Military History Kalamata
Museum of Military History Kalamata
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
42 reviews
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26
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alexis N
Athens, Greece511 contributions
Aug 2019
Being in Kalamata during summer vacation, we visited The Museum of Military History. The Museum is unique as young guides from the Arcaiological and History University nearby start to explane to us the history journay of Greeks ftom the age of 1821 Greek Revolution to nowadays. Museum's exhibits, the history trail, the guide help make our family visit unforgetable. Thanks again all the personnel for that moments we spend during our mornig visit there. Must go.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nikos R
Athens, Greece1,146 contributions
Apr 2015 • Business
This is a small but intresting museum which belongs to the Greek army.Its free of charge and you need about 45 min.for your visit.There are Greek soldiers to guide you around the rooms and explain about military history of Greeks from the strugle for intepedence on 19th c.up to modern times.There are on display arms uniforms and other military staff from diferent times.I think worths a visit.
Written May 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brucestewart
Livingston, UK9,371 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
It is probably fair to say that there is not much for the tourist to see in Kalamata. We arrived at the port on a cruise liner and went ashore expecting to spend a day just walking around, shopping and having lunch. The maps that we were provided with however indicated that there was a Military Museum in the city so we went by bus to the approximate area and started looking for it. It wasn't too easy for us as our streetmap had English representations of the street name while in actual fact they are all in Greek. Anyway after walking up and down a bit we found it.
I for one was not disappointed with what I saw. The Museum is run by the Greek Army so we were shown round by a serving soldier. Unfortunately I cannot remember his name but his English was excellent and he displayed a real enthusiasm for the exhibits on show both within the building and the outside areas. I think that had we been left on our own we would have gone around the museum in 20 or 30 minutes, as it was our conducted tour took over an hour. However it was a very interesting time and I learned a lot about Greek military history from about the 16th Century to modern times.
There is no admittance charge but there is a Donations Box and we left a suitable sum. I also bought one of all of the postcards that they had for sale.
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As an aside for readers of this review one other area worth visiting in Kalamata is the Kalarpata Rail Park near the port where there are a number of old disused steam trains that are unfortunately being allowed to slowly rust away.
I for one was not disappointed with what I saw. The Museum is run by the Greek Army so we were shown round by a serving soldier. Unfortunately I cannot remember his name but his English was excellent and he displayed a real enthusiasm for the exhibits on show both within the building and the outside areas. I think that had we been left on our own we would have gone around the museum in 20 or 30 minutes, as it was our conducted tour took over an hour. However it was a very interesting time and I learned a lot about Greek military history from about the 16th Century to modern times.
There is no admittance charge but there is a Donations Box and we left a suitable sum. I also bought one of all of the postcards that they had for sale.
*****************************************************************************
As an aside for readers of this review one other area worth visiting in Kalamata is the Kalarpata Rail Park near the port where there are a number of old disused steam trains that are unfortunately being allowed to slowly rust away.
Written May 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EdgarCosset
Brooklyn, NY1,602 contributions
Mar 2022
For those who enjoy martial nostalgia, the Military History Museum is an earnest example of a small-scale good effort. Except for some impressive swords and a fascinating collection of small arms, those looking for drama, gore and glory will be disappointed. Overall, the museum probably speaks loudest to veterans and buffs, those who appreciate historic memories without the chest thumping. Entrance is free. Guides are available. Stairs, no elevator.
The three floors of glass display cases show lovingly preserved illustrations, photographs and fighting paraphernalia from roughly 1821 to 1944. Portraits of important leaders are interspersed. Nothing dramatic or slick, the exhibits include uniforms, medals, and personal weapons, often donated it seems from the labels by the soldiers who wore them. Some have English translations. A few placards detail their history. I liked the recreated field desk of a commanding officer complete with pen and typewriter. The top floor comprises a small lecture room and a collection of amateur easel paintings depicting various battles. Navarino gets full attention.
Not a negative criticism but I was hoping to see some references to the 1941 Battle of Kalamata, described as a tragedy “worse than Dunkirk.” It was certainly not a victory for the 58,000 primarily ANZAC allied troops, pushed to the sea in the finale of the German Greek Campaign. But without photographers on either side, few historic reports to consult, and no calls from Hollywood, sadly this heroic event may be soon lost to all memory. Few people know about it. Even our young, uniformed guide seemed not to have heard of it either. A few survivors show up for an annual remembrance service. I’d like to see them given recognition in this museum. It would be a fitting and appropriate use of its resources and purpose.
The three floors of glass display cases show lovingly preserved illustrations, photographs and fighting paraphernalia from roughly 1821 to 1944. Portraits of important leaders are interspersed. Nothing dramatic or slick, the exhibits include uniforms, medals, and personal weapons, often donated it seems from the labels by the soldiers who wore them. Some have English translations. A few placards detail their history. I liked the recreated field desk of a commanding officer complete with pen and typewriter. The top floor comprises a small lecture room and a collection of amateur easel paintings depicting various battles. Navarino gets full attention.
Not a negative criticism but I was hoping to see some references to the 1941 Battle of Kalamata, described as a tragedy “worse than Dunkirk.” It was certainly not a victory for the 58,000 primarily ANZAC allied troops, pushed to the sea in the finale of the German Greek Campaign. But without photographers on either side, few historic reports to consult, and no calls from Hollywood, sadly this heroic event may be soon lost to all memory. Few people know about it. Even our young, uniformed guide seemed not to have heard of it either. A few survivors show up for an annual remembrance service. I’d like to see them given recognition in this museum. It would be a fitting and appropriate use of its resources and purpose.
Written March 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gentbrugg
Moscow2,304 contributions
Jun 2019
The military museum in Kalamata was founded in 2005. The three-story building with galleries on each floor is located almost in the heart of the city. The museum's exhibits illustrate the history of Greece from 1821 to the present day. What upset me in principle was that I wanted to see more ancient items in the exhibition. Most of the museum's collection is dedicated to the Second world war involving the Greek army in the Middle East. However, those exhibits that are located on the external platforms - for example, a 105-mm m101a1 gun, a m48a5 tank or a British gun right in front of the entrance - are impressive. The German 81-mm mortar inside the museum is also good.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Extraordinary65656
3 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
Visited this small museum with my son. The displays are in Greek, however, we were given a private tour by an excellent guide - well worth a visit.
Written October 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Georgia G
Astoria, New York11 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
This is a hidden gem! They have a few interns who can give you a detailed private tour which we took advantage of! Very informative and they have lots of rate memorabilia from various eras in the modern Greek state’s history, on display. We thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend you take advantage of this great opportunity to immerse yourself in modern Greek history!
Written August 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dimitri P
5 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Was really surprised by the personal walkthrough and detailed explanation of the modern history of Greece dating from the war of independence right through to the Korean War. Great collection of artefacts over the period and artillery, tanks and planes outside.
Written August 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
whiteheadken
Sydney, Australia4 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
Location is in the old town which can be reached by bus number 1. Museum covers up to present involvement in peacekeeping duties. Serving soldiers are on duty and one of them acted as my guide. He spoke excellent English and was well informed on the museum's displays.
Written September 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alexandros667
Luneburg, Germany289 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
I went there with a friend that is familiar with military history. It was very nice with a lot of pics especially after the 15th century. It also has two tanks and one aircraft (F5a) in the backyard. One archeology student that did his practicum there was very helpful (Mr. Tsirogiannis).
Written August 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Museum of Military History Kalamata
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