The area of Messinia in the far south west of the Peloponnese has been renowned for the production of silk since the time of the Byzantine Empire. Mulberries, the tree whose leaves are the sole food of the silkworm, abound in most of the Peloponnese. In fact it is why the area has been called since the 12^th century “The Moria” (the Greek for mulberry tree is Mouria). The holy Monastery of Saints Konstantinos and Eleni Kalogrea, in the historical centre of Kalamata, was founded in 1796 by the priest and teacher Gerasimos Papadopoulos. Soon after it’s foundation, local nuns and orphan girls were initiated into the secrets of silk cultivation, processing and weaving silk within the monastery, establishing a centuries old tradition which continues to the present day. Fine silk embroidered robes, curtains, tablecloths and the famous silk Kalamatian scarf, which originated in the monastery, have been made with consummate skill by the nuns. The Monastery of Constantine and Eleni Kalogrea contributed greatly to the local cottage industry production of woven silk in the region leading eventually to the development of a more industrial scale of production.

The high quality of the nuns’ work has led to them receiving numerous awards and praise for their fine silk products.

Make sure during your visit to look for the hall displaying the fine silken works by the nuns where you can admire them and also buy exquisite pieces woven by the nuns themselves.