Filiatra: Postcode GR-24300, Dialling code 2761, Population 6,592.
The town is built on green plain of olive groves and it is a large agricultural and commercial centre. Filiatra is one of the relatively recent towns of the Prefecture of Messinia in Peloponnisos. However, life here has its roots deep in the past and numerous traces of habitation dating to the prehistoric era can be seen in the area. A Neolithic stone axe was found at Gournospilies and ruins of an ancient building and a Mycenaean tomb were discovered at Armakadia. Ancient Erana is now believed to have been located in the area of Agia Kyriaki, as and it is believed that Arene and Aliartos also stood nearby. Principal P.Papachristopoulos has singled out the ruins of an ancient temple, thought to have been dedicated to Poseidon Eranalos and an early Christian church was built over it in the fourth century. Various opinions have been expressed concerning the name of the town. But the most widely accepted is that the name Filiatra is due to the many wells (Greek: freata) that were in the area of the first Filiatra settlement. At the entrance of the town there is a small version of the Eiffel Tower which was built by Mr Fournarakis.
There is a hotel at Limenari and rooms to let in the town. There are sandy beaches at Langouvardo, Agia Kyriaki, Stomio and Agrili. In Agrili there is the Panagia Church and the Castle of Fairy Tales (built by Fournarakis).
Useful Telephone Numbers: Filiatra dialling code (27610)
Town Hall: 32220, Police: 32563, Buses and Taxi: 22666, Post Office: 32237
