Kalamata Municipal Railway Park

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Kalamata Municipal Railway Park

The Municipal Railway Park of Kalamata is an open-air museum in the heart of the city. It was established in 1986 but opened four year later due to a destructive earthquake that rocked the city in September 1986. It occupies the buildings of a former station, which are incorporated in a 54-ha public park and includes a rich collection of railway exhibits coming from the Hellenic Railway Organization (OSE). Amongst the collection are one diesel and seven old steam engines, some old subway wooden carriages, railcars and freight wagons of various types, a metal footbridge 28m long, a water tower with a cylindrical stone base, four platforms, several other railway elements and the building of the old station. One of the most noteworthy exhibits is a German-designed ‘Krieglok’ 2-10-0s, employed on standard gauge lines in Greece during and after the Second World War. Unfortunately, there is no explanations or guidance of any sort but you can get some good close-up photos.

The park is unique of its kind in Greece and is open to the public all year round. It is located in the area of the old “Kalamata Port” railway station, close to the city’s central square and next to the formerly coal storehouses. The area has been formed into a nice recreation park with a fountain at the bottom, sport facilities, playgrounds and a small café on the ground floor of the old station. It is a lovely and interesting park with lots of shade and a nostalgic feel, inviting you for a nice stroll when heading from the center of town to the beach or port. It attracts lots of locals and visitors and is very popular among railway lovers.