The natural environment

Messolonghi, a place of natural beauty, a protected area, an area for bird spotting, an area where one can see sea turtles, an area of history and global recognition, an area to relax and an area to explore, an area that is next to the sea, and an area that offers the ability to explore mountains, an area where you can participate in outdoor activities, an area of numerous bays, natural harbours, rivers, kilometres of unique landscapes, pristine sandy beaches, Messolonghi, an area that offers a lot.

The lagoon of Messolonghi, the complex lakes and rivers of the region are one of the largest wetlands of the Mediterranean that are part of a National Natural Park, integrated in the European Natura 2000 network and protected by the RAMSAR Convention, which certifies their value as rare biotope.

As the area has not been affected by over-development and its side effects, a lot of the nature has been left in its natural state and unspoiled. This is one of the factors that has allowed more than 300 bird species to be observed in different seasons, lagoons, lakes and other wetlands in the region and the surrounding hills, including 32 of the 38 raptors vultures in Europe.

The Bonelli's Eagle, the Lesser Spotted Eagle, the Black Vulture, the Basilaetos, the Short-toed Eagle, the Pontikovarvakina, the Peregrine, the Kestrel, the Goshawk, the Sparrowhawk and Xouliaromytes, Phalacrocorax pygmeus, the Pelecanus crispus, the Aythya nyroca, the Haliaeetus albicilla, the Aegypius monachus, the clanga Aquila and Aquila heliaca, the Gallinago media (migration), flamingos and other water birds are also part of what makes-up some of the many species that can be found and also admired by the bird watchers that come from all over the world.

An endless combination of mountain landscapes, wetlands complexes of rare beauty, wonderful beaches and
numerous islands. It is no exaggeration that the region is called & "Natural Park of Greece." 

Messolonghi and its history

In the 13th centuary , the Dalmatian pirates were some of the early settlers that had settled on 3 islands, which were later united.

The city of Messolonghi took its name from the Italian phrase “messo langhi” which means “between the lakes”.

Messolonghi first mentioned in written sources in the 16th century. In 1700 it was under Venetian rule and then under Turkish rule. In the rebellion of 1770 (Orlofika) which took part Mesologi, looted and destroyed. After 1774 it was restructured as commercial and naval.

Natural stronghold that protected its people against each intrusion was always the lagoon of Messolonghi, since swampy soils and marshes does not allow easy access.

The town of Messolonghi, a refuge for pirates and fishing village, gradually became an important commercial port with important shipyards.

The historical memory equated Messolonghi with the uprising of the Greek people in 1821 for freedom from Turkish slavery, and was closely associated with one of the glorious pages of our history, the heroic 'Exodus of the Free Besieged ", which was the universal symbol of the struggle of peoples for freedom.

For that offer in the fight for liberty, Messolonghi has been declared as the "Holy City of Greece." The unique holy city in the world, not for religious reasons, but thanks to the self-sacrifice of the inhabitants of the altar of Liberty.

"Every man is a free burgher Messolonghi" which can be seen on an engraved stone at the eastern gateway to the city.

Messolonghi today

Apart from the general businesses that can be found in every city, Messolonghi is also an important fish and salt production area.

The most interesting places to visit is surely the Gate of Exodus, the Garden of Heroes, City Hall Square Markou Botsari, which houses the History and Art Museum, the Folklore Museum, the family residence Trikoupi residence Palamas the Valveios library, Literature & art Center Outlet and contemporary art gallery Christos and Sophia Moschandreou, Tourlida, the settlements of “Pelades” and the spectacular magical sunsets can be found in Messolonghi.

Messolonghi is also famous  for the roe, eel & pedals grilled, salted fish, and the quality of salt. 

Messolonghi, a unique place in its own way. 

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