Messinia to Welcome New Park Dedicated to Greek Revolution

A Theodoros Vryzakis painting inspired by the 1821 Greek Revolution.

The Cultural Institute of Messinia and the Municipality of Pylos-Nestoros recently announced the upcoming inauguration of the first “Greek Revolution Park” in Kato Ambelokipi, Messinia.

Originally scheduled to open in 2021, the park’s construction was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The park is designed to host 21 “Short Stories of Freedom” related to the 1821 Greek Revolution and connected to 21 historic Peloponnese municipalities, as well as 21 trees representing their flora.

The inauguration ceremony, set to take place on March 17, will see 21 students representing Pylos’ primary schools present the “Short Stories of Freedom” and assist with the planting of the 21 trees.

The event will also feature the unveiling of a rare Peloponnese map dating back to 1821.

Moreover, the “Panagiotis Kefalas” revival department of the “Paradisos Kalamatas” cultural association will present historic, traditional costumes from the 18th and 19th century.

The “Greek Revolution Park” logo.

The park this year was originally to open on March 3 but then postponed due to the Tempi fatal train crash.

The March 17 inauguration will commemorate the Kato Minagia Greek Revolution battle (March 3, 1825) and will include the unveiling of a memorial, as well as the laying of wreaths in memory of the heroes of the first Greek resistance against the Egyptian Turks in 1825.

Following its opening, the park is expected to become an important landmark honoring the Greek Revolution and its history. The park’s creative plan was an initiative supported by the “Greece 2021” Committee and it is a candidate for inclusion in UNESCO’s National Index of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Plans for the park include it becoming a host venue for cultural, environmental and educational events, making it a significant hub for Greek culture and history.