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SEE MONEMVASIA

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SEE OLD MONEMVASIA.
THE MAINLAND

See Monemvasia for every little nook and crany it has.
A wonderful maze where you can lose yourself.

See Monemvasia, the Gibraltar of the east.

Although there is not too much ancient history in the area, they make up for it in the Byzantine period.

At the bottom east corner of the Peloponnese, Monemvasia is far away from everything. Or is it?

Around three hours drive from Corinth, or two from Tripoli and 90 minutes from Sparta, it’s not that far.

What does it share with Monemvasia?
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystra.

Mysterious Mystra shares quite a bit of history with Monemvasia.

Come, let’s see Monemvasia, old and new. You will understand why a few hours is not enough time to experience this magical area.

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See Monemvasia, the Island

The main reason people come to this area is to see Monemvasia.

That by itself is worth seeing.

You can see Monemvasia's Upper town was easy to defend.
The upper and Lower Towns of Monemvasia.

 

Upper Town

Like many chruches, each addition is in a different architectural style.
Agia Sofia, a Byzantine church with a Venetian Loggia.

 

Most of the art is original.
St Sophia’s dome from the inside.

 

The details are incredible.
Many of the mosaics are still intact.

 

I can never find out if or when the inside is accessible.
St. Sophia is the only original building still in one piece.

 

 

At its peak, there was no reason for the affluent people to leave the top.
Like anywhere else, real estate at the top is the most popular.

 

Can you imagine trying to fight in heavy war gear on this incline?
The wall would protect anyone on the stairs.

 

Lower Town

Expect crowds during the midday.

The church tower makes a good landmark.
The Main Square is close to the center of town.

 

The main street wanders through cafes, markets and neighbors having conversations.
The main street from the front gate to the town square.

 

The further you get from the main street, usually the fewer people.
In the early morning and late afternoon, you may have parts of town all to yourself.

 

You will see Monemvasia keeps its kitties well fed.
If you get the feeling you are being watched…

 

It is not unusual for a structure to have different construction from different centuries.
Byzantine and Venetian architecture mix.

 

Try the local cuisine and try to figure what is Greek, what is Venetian and what comes from the Ottomans.
Who says there is no space for a garden?

 

In the morning, watch the town come alive as you sip a Greek coffee on a terrace. At sundown, feel the village sigh and ease into an enchanting night.

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See Monemvasia on the Mainland

Although it is not dripping with must-see landmarks, the Laconia region has some great history. Some Byzantine here, a little Ottoman there, and lots of Greek foundations.

A day and a night makes a great break in a Peloponesse sight-seeing tour.
A Greek Island you can visit in a day, Elafonisis.

 

The natural beauty in this area it abundant.
The Petrified forest of Cavomalias.

 

Ruin of the Castle of Vatika can be seen from several angles.
Castles, canyons, and caves offer something for everyone.

 

Simos Beach has everything from full-service, to places you can lose yourself.
Or just get away for a day at the beach.

 

See Monemvasia Summary

As you will find, Monemvasia and the surrounding area offers more than just some ruins. Make sure you have plenty of time to explore the Kastro, museum, and all the nooks and crannies.

Then make sure you have time to see Monemvasia’s surrounding area. The natural beauty and sites that do not have tour buses lining up.

And make sure to sample the local cuisine and P.D.O. wine.

Come, see what you are missing.

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