Messolonghi (officially, Sacred City of Messolonghi) is the capital of the Prefecture of Aitoloakarnania. It is located in the southern part of the Prefecture, between the Acheloos and Evinos rivers, about 35 km from Agrinio and 37 km from Antirrio.
It is a historic municipality as some of the most dramatic moments of the Greek Revolution of 1821, the two Sieves and the Exodus of Messolonghi took place in the city.
Messolonghi is also known for its fishery products, especially the roe deer, since the adjacent lagoon is an ideal place for fish farming.
The lagoon with its picturesque “cliffs” – the small wooden houses on piles, in the water – is protected by the well-known RAMSAR condition and is an environmental park and ecosystem.
The name Messolongi was first mentioned by a Venetian, who described the battle of Lebanon near Nafpaktos. Several historical sources report that the name Messolongi comes from the union of the two Italian words, MEZZO / MESSO and LAGHI, which means “a place amidst lakes” or “a place surrounded by lakes”. Until 1700 the city was under Venetian occupation. Its inhabitants were mainly fishermen.
In the northwest of Messolonghi there are the ruins of Plevrona (“Asfakovouni”), a city mentioned in the works of Homer. He participated in the Trojan War and was destroyed by Demetrius Aetolikos. The new city, built in the ruins of the old one, was one of the most important of Aetolia and had 30 towers and 7 gates. Excavations in Pleurona brought to light the walls, the city theater, graves, a Roman aqueduct and many buildings.
During the Revolution of 1770, the city’s army was defeated by the Ottomans. Messolonghi revolted again on 20 May 1821 and was one of the main Greek forces in the liberation struggle. The inhabitants resisted the attacks of the Ottoman Empire in 1822 and 1823 (Second siege of Messolonghi). The third attack was launched on 15 April 1825 by Kioutaci, whose army numbered 30,000 men, and later strengthened by another 10,000 led by Ibrahim. Among the Ottoman army, there were 3,000 Mardites, ie Catholics from Northern Albania (referring to the relatively popular as “Latins”) and 700 Russian Cossacks of Don.
After a year of continuous attacks and hunger, the inhabitants of Mesologi decided to leave the city on the night of April 10, 1826, which was known as the “Exodus of Messolonghi”. At that time, the city’s inhabitants were 10,500 of which 3,500 were armed. Few were the Mesolongi survivors at the Exodus. Because of the heroic attitude of Messolongi, the city was honored to be given the title of Sacred City, which is unique in Greece.
The well-known philhellene English poet Lord Byron, who supported the Greek endeavor to liberate, died in the city in 1824. A reference to his face is in a cenotaph which contains his heart.
Do I have to wear a mask in transports – inside taxi or private hired vehicles – in Greece?
(2022 guidance on the use of face masks in Greece – Covid19 update)
TAXIS / PRIVATE TRANSFERS / MINIVANS / MINIBUSES / CITY BUSES
Our staff will wear a face covering inside the taxis and all private-hired cars for the duration of your journey. Our driver will use hand satinizer before and after any transaction or contact with your luggage etc. In Greece, it is the law that you must wear either a face covering or face mask even if you are vaccinated inside the taxis or private hired cars. Exemptions include people who have medical issues (trouble breathing, unability to wear a mask properly etc), children under the age of three (3) or you have any other legitamate reason not to – however please note that proof maybe requested by local authorities. Our drivers treat everyone with respect and compassion and understand if it is not immediately obvious that some people are not able to wear face covering for medical reasons.
AIRPORTS / AIRPLANES / TRAINS / INTERCITY BUSES:
From Wednesday 1st of June 2022 and after, Greek state decided and it is the law now that masks are not mandatory.
SHIPS / FERRYBOATS
From Thursday 2nd of June 2022 and after Greek state decided and it is the law now that masks are not mandatory, but it is strongly reccomended.
Where do I have to wear mask in Greece?
(in use after 1st of June 2022 for summer/autumn period – Covid19 update)
From Wednesday 1st of June 2022 and after, Greek state decided and it is the law now that:
– Masks are NOT mandatory anymore INDOORS. This means that you DON’T have to wear a facemask anymore, if you want to visit a coffee shop, a restaurant, a beach bar, a shop, hotel or supermarket.
– You MUST wear a mask, if you visit the following places: public hospital, pharmacy, private clinic, doctor’s office, medical centre, retirement and nursing home. You must also wear a mask, when using public transportation (public bus, taxi, chauffeurred-driven vehicles etc)