Monemvasia
in Peloponnese
Information about villages, beaches, sightseeing, restaurants, activities and more...
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About Monemvasia
Monemvasia is on a small peninsula off the Peloponnesian east coast. It belongs to the prefecture of
Laconia, and it is actually a medieval fortress with a town next to it.
The attraction of this location lies on its interesting ruins, which include not only this defensive structure, but
also the many Byzantine churches of the adjacent town. There is a total of 40 churches, scattered along the
narrow streets.
Regarding the name Monemvasia, in Greek the word "mone" means "single", while "embassia" means
"entrance". However, it is also known as Malvasia, the Gibraltar of the East, and The Rock. This last one is
due to the features of its location, as it is built on a rock of 300 m height and 1.8 km long, occupying a
steep, rocky islet connected to the coast of Laconia by a low bridge.
Apart from the beauty of the city, the rock itself is also very picturesque, with colours ranging between grey
and pink tones. On the south-eastern side of this rock, the village is established, overlooking Palaia
Monemvasia bay.
Right in the edge of the bay, next to the castle's entrance , there is a cemetery where the grave of Giannis
Ritsos, a famous Greek poet, lies. Northwest, there is a small hamlet with no more than 10 houses, while
on the north, the mentioned fortress is found. The north-west, as well as the top, are covered by a field of
grass. Getting to the top can be an interesting stroll in the zig-zagging pathway.
In addition, this is where it lays the plateau, and apart from the ruins of the fortified town, it is also the
residence of the Venetian Govemor, and there are ancient walls, guardhouses, towers, and large water
cistems. Regarding the eastern tip of the rock, this is where the church of Agia Sofia is found.
This octagonal 12th century church is the main monument of Monemvasia, and its charm and magnificence
remain untouched.
Apart from the fortress, there is an area called "Nea Monemvasia". It is located at a distance of about 1 km
away from the fortress-town, providing all the necessary facilities of a modern tourist town, which makes it a
very popular destination among tourists.
Best Villages in Monemvasia
Kastro Monemvasias
Location: On the south eastern side of Peloponnese
Description: Kastro (or Palia Monemvasia) is actually the Old Town, built entirely inside a huge rock on the sea. A
narrow pathway connects the rock with the mainland.
Sightseeing: Archaeological Museum, Church of Agia Sofia, Church of Elkomenos Christos, Church of Panagia
Chryssafitissa
Best Sightseeing in Monemvasia
Church of Elkomenos Christos
Location: Kastro Monemvasias
This nice church is dedicated to "Christ in Pain". It is located in the Castle of Monemvasia and it was built in the 13th
century by Byzantine Emperor Andronicus.
Church of Agia Sofia
Location: Kastro Monemvasias
The Byzantine church of Agia Sofia is located on the edge of a cliff and gives gorgeous view to the sea. It was built
in the 12th century by Emperor Andronicus. When Monemvasia was occupied by the Venetians, it became a
catholic cathedral and during the Turkish occupation, when their walls were painted with lime, it was used as a
mosque.
Credits
Greeka.com would like to thank the following members for their valuable contribution, as some of the photos
included in this guide belong to them.
MSPANAKIS, Migeli, angeliki, glljansen, marijke, milos58, petarbg, popeye, scaletta, sfgirl09, twilight,
zwitserw
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