Monemvasia

In one of the rock slopes is a medieval town wedged belted by walls, ramparts, towers: the famous castle of Monemvasia.

Passing through the gates of the castle you enter the medieval town of Monemvasia. Be enchanted by the narrow streets that run Monemvasia from side to side and switch to another era reliving scenes from the battles of the past.

The stone houses, the Byzantine churches, the cobblestone streets, the mansions with its unique architecture and powerful walls untouched by time transport visitors at a time when Monemvasia was one of the most important castles in the Peloponnese, a trade center and a place of historical battles.

In the main alley you’ll find many small charming shops, cafes and restaurants. The time seems to have stopped in the Middle Ages and you’re there. The architecture of the castle testifies the residents during the centuries. The buildings follow a Venetian style with characteristic arches everywhere. At first it seems labyrinthine to navigate in Monemvasia, but the town was made at times that the threat of invasion was visible and the time it would take the enemy to wander the streets would be valuable for residents to move to the top of the rock.The walls of the castle show proof and still awe-inspiring to visitors. In the castle there are about 10 -20 families as permanent residents, however the bridge connect them with thousands of mainland tourists from around the world . Follow them: Like entering the time machine, you will go into another era and relive scenes from the battles of the past simply by observing the signs of the bullets at the entrance, a dowry of a siege or walking in the stone streets of the medieval town and passes the high arches.

At the beginning you wander through the Down Town. But the city that first was built is the Upper Town in the top of the rock, which was occupied by the rulers and was the seat of administration. The upper town is now deserted, but overlooks the church of Hagia Sophia and rescued the three-dimensional stunning communal wells.

On the other hand, the DownTown with winding alleys is like a small maze, and their homes due to lack of space seem to ride on top of one another. You will be impressed by the architecture of the houses. The middle path is full of tourist shops, restaurants, hostels and reception.

At the left after the small tunnel portal, climb the stairs to enter the and find the house of the poet John Ritsos, with a terrace hanging over Myrtoo Sea.Then you will be lost again and again on the cobbled streets to the mansions, see Byzantine churches (40 in number with each having its own history algae atmosphere) and enter the church of Elkomenos Christ and the archeological museum which is housed in a listed Mosquess building. Definitely visit the desolate Upper Town through the stone uphill path (the ascent takes about 20 minutes). Be impressed by the amazing view from the church of Hagia Sophia that was built by the wife of Andronicus in memory than in Istanbul.

Visit the stone houses, Byzantine churches, cobblestone streets, mansions with its unique architecture and strong walls untouched by time. All of them and the live down town transport visitors at a time when Monemvasia was one of the largest castles in the Peloponnese , trade center and location of historic battles.

Outside the castle there is the graphic new settlement of Monemvasia with many options for dining and entertainment.

Entertainment

In Monemvasia there are many restaurants and taverns to try out local recipes, fresh seafood and drink wine region. In Monemvasia there are produced many traditional sweets of the region including the famous Monemvasia almond, famous samousades, diples, kourampiedes, melitinia and rafiolia. Do not forget to taste and take it with you.

In the castle and the new town you will find several places to enjoy your breakfast and drink, all with beautiful views of the castle walls and Myrtoo Sea that lies ahead. There are also many cafes and bars to enjoy a drink in perfect harmony with the enchanting environment and just outside the Bridge with direction to Athens there is an outdoor club for dancing and fun.