Messolonghi, the capital of the prefecture of Aitoloakarnania, lies at the entrance of Patraikos Bay between the estuaries of Acheloos and Evinos rivers. It is built at the inlet of the lagoon of Messolonghi and is unique in Greece thanks to the nearby wetlands where rare species of fauna and flora live. Mountains such as Varasova, Arakynthos, Taxiarchis and the numerous hills of the Echinades (islands) are reflected on the clear waters of the lagoon. The existence of such diversity in the landscape creates ideal conditions for the variety of plant and animal species found there.

The town itself is very picturesque but also modern with functional, regular urban planning. Some very interesting buildings representative of traditional architecture can be seen here. People whose names were related to modern Greek history once lived there. The mansion of the Trikoupis family, Palamas' House, Valvios Library, Christos and Sophia Moschandreou Gallery of Modern Art emphasize the fact that Messolonghi has always been a city of grandeur and intellect.

Additionally, the Center of Culture and Art, Diexodos, which hosts cultural events and exhibitions as well as the Museum of History and Art which is housed in a neo-classical building in Markos Botsaris Square hosting a collection of paintings indicative of the struggle of Messolonghi further boost the city's cultural and artistic profile. Today, the Entrance Gate remains intact and so does part of the fortification of the Free Besieged which was rebuilt by King Otto. Past the Gate, there is the Garden of Heroes where several famous and anonymous heroes who fought during the Heroic Exodus were buried.

The Garden of Heroes is the equivalent of the Elysian Fields for modern Greece. It is undoubtedly the most impressive park in the country. Every year the Memorial Day for the Exodus is celebrated on Palm Sunday. It is the most important local festivity in which the Greek State is represented by high rank officials and foreign countries by their ambassadors. Green parks, recreation areas, the lagoon, its history but also local pubs, taverns and fishmonger's shops make Messolonghi an attractive place.