Castle-city of Monemvasia
Description
The Impregnable Gibraltar of the Eastern Mediterranean with the Hidden Gate and the Living Castle City
The Castle of Monemvasia is one of the most imposing, historical and timeless living monuments of the whole of Laconia. It is located in the southeastern Peloponnese, occupying an extremely privileged location on a sea-striking, imposing rock connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. The great advantage of the castle is that it is the best-preserved and continuously inhabited castle-city in Europe, having been founded in the 6th century (around 583 AD) by Laconians seeking refuge from raids, while later it developed into a strategic stronghold of the Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans.
- Fortification type: An authentic castle-fortress with strong Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman influences, which is developed on two levels (the Lower and Upper Towns). The fort is designed to be completely inaccessible from land: it is surrounded by strong walls with battlements, bastions and a single, narrow main entrance (the “Single Entrance”) which is blind and “C” shaped to prevent direct assault by invaders, while the Upper Town is crowned by the impregnable fortress.
- Suitable for: Families, couples, architecture lovers, historians and travelers who wish to discover how people lived in a medieval fortified city. The area is traditionally famous for its construction and residential ingenuity, as its interior hides labyrinthine stone cobblestone streets, elaborate arches (passageways), dozens of Byzantine churches with the top one being Hagia Sophia on the edge of the cliff, mansions with coats of arms and underground cisterns that ensured complete autonomy in water during long sieges.
- Infrastructure: Exemplarily protected and restored by the Archaeological Service and the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Municipality of Monemvasia. Today, the Lower Town operates as a living organism, as the old stone buildings have been transformed into traditional guesthouses, atmospheric restaurants, cafes and small shops. The location offers direct access to both the historical tour and the modern tourist infrastructure of the new town (Gefyra).
- Access: Very easy by car to the gate, but exclusively on foot inside. The journey from Sparta takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car, while from Gytheio the distance is covered in about 1 hour. As any type of wheeled vehicle is strictly prohibited inside the Castle, the approach and tour are done exclusively on foot through the stone, uphill alleys. Free parking is available along the bridge and the outer shore.
Information