There are only a few remains of the Acropolis of Sparta, with evidence of a Roman agora, a theatre, a cyclical building and a theatre. The Church of Christ from the 1st century AD is also there.
In the municipality of Skala, there are two Byzantine churches of Saint George and of the Transfiguration.
The Albano chasm is interesting for explorers. It is 70 metres deep, located high in the Taygetos Mountains, home to various stalactites and bats. In Lakonia’s Cape Tenaro near Eastern Mani, known by the name of Cape Matapan (‘end of the world’) as well, it is located at the southernmost tip of mainland Greece and Europe. The cave there is said to represent the entrance of Hades, the underworld. It is even mentioned in the Iliad.
This site flourished as far back as the prehistoric era and well into the Roman period. Spartan festivals were held there. The sanctuary was excavated in 1890, while barts of the Throne of Bathykles were retrieved from there as well.
Discover what life was like in this complex fort city, known for its Venetian influence, spiritual significance, Frankish element, Ottoman rule, quality wine, churches, cisterns, hamams and public buildings. Art, pottery, sculpture, coats of arms and much more are at display within the Castle of Monemvasia.
The archaeological museum of Sparta features important exhibits from ancient times with exhibits from the sacred temples of Chalkiikou Athena and Orthia Artemida, as well as ancient Spartan frescoes.
Mystras also has an archaeological museum in a traditional building within part of the Agios Dimitrios cathedral. The collection features ceramics, frescoes, sculptures and coins, as well as Byzantine fabrics and icons.
At Vasilakio in the municipality of Krokees, there are remains of the towers of the Bardouniotes Turks dating from Ottoman rule. Mavromihalis Tower and Kapetanakis Tower in Areopolis are other landmarks of interest which have been restored. The Mavromihalis Tower is now a four-star hotel.
In Gythio (or Gythion) the castle of Goulades stands on Mavrovounio (Black Mountain). On the southwest side of Gythio near Marathea there’s the 13th century castle of Passavas, built on the ancient site of Las. Mystras, dubbed as a world-heritage UNESCO site, also has remains of a fortress and other buildings.
The impressive castle of Kelafa north of Aeropoli and to the south of Itilo was constructed by the Ottomans in 1670, seized 15 years by the locals with the help of the Venetians. There are remains of large walls and two of four towers that existed, as well as buildings parts and a canon (originally 58) for defence.
The castles of Mystras should be seen by every visitor to the area. Across the valley from Mystras is the magical Yeraki, where there is a fortress built as early as 1209 by Frankish baron Guy de Nivellet. Yeraki is at a height of 500 meters, and also boasts the well preserved Byzantine church of Saint George. It is reputed that the people of Monemvasia, Yeraki and Mystras kept in contact through smoke signals.
In the municipality of Zaraka on the road to Kyparisi and past the ravine of Stavros, the bay of Pyliza with its white pebbles and villages of Vrysi, Paralia and Mitropoli are home to the well-preserved cave of Asclepios. The municipality also boasts the caves of Vris and Kyklopas (Cyclops in Greek) and Babolas.
If you’re near Agoriani, you might want to visit the church of Saint Nicholas, dating to around 1300 AD. The old church has many murals surrounding the saint such as the hospitality of Abraham, Birth of Christ, Resurrection, Palm Sunday, Saints of the Military, Lazarus, etc.
In Apidia, a town that’s reputed to be 6000 years old, the church of the Assumption of the Virgin has very interesting architecture, as well as a marble icon screen that is noteworthy with rich decoration.
The caves of Diros are set along a beautiful bay on the south side of Areopoli, down the west side of Mani. Investigated in the 1950s by Ioannis and Ioanna Perochilou, these caves are remarkable both for their natural features and archaeological significance.
Above the town of Molaon within the municipality by the same name lies a small fort built by the Franks, Turks or Byzantines, depending on who you talk to.
In Anavryti within the municipality of Mystras, there is a neo-classical building (once the area’s Primary School) which is home to a geological museum featuring a photographic exhibition of Taygetos’ local flora, as well as geological curiosities and rocks. If you are a nature lover, this museum is for you!
In 1905, archaeologists found artefacts here from the Neolithic period. Researchers from the University of Amsterdam in 1997 found clay seals and coins from the Early Helladic era. There is also evidence of a Mycenaean city about 1800 BC until when the Dorians arrived. Geraki (or Ancient Geronthres) has an acropolis that is guarded with a wall, even if there are archaeological finds dating from Neolithic times, i.e. from around 6000 B.C. In Christian times the area was built up with Byzantine churches decorated with frescoes and bas relief, as well as a Frankish castle built on a hill overlooking all of the plateau of Geraki.
Next to the village of Tripti about 10 kilometres from Sparta lies the gorge and cave of Kaiadas, used at some point in the war of independence a couple of hundred years ago, but now gaining significance as a landmark in this area.
The Koumantereios Gallery also in Sparta is located in another neoclassical edifice, boasting a permanent collection of oil paintings by European artists. It represents an island of Western culture in a very Mediterranean setting.
Cape Tainaro (or Tenaro) the southernmost point of mainland Europe, also belongs to the Municipality. Its lighthouse was constructed by the French in 1882 in Paris and renovated in 1930. Since 1984 it is powered by solar energy. There is a path leading to the lighthouse (about 20 minutes walk). The lighthouse was recently renovated by the Ekaterini Laskaridis Foundation, in cooperation with the Navy. At Niata the old wind-mills and dozens of stone wells around the village, are really noteworthy.
There is a shrine dedicated to Menelaos (or Menelaus) and Helen, along with evidence of a 5th century BC temple with votive offerings to Helen (now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Sparta).
In the municipality of Vion, several monks built small monasteries on Maleas, now dubbed the “Small Agion Oros” in reference to and comparison with the monasteries on Mount Athos.
Built in 1620, this is one of the prime monasteries in Laconia. It also has the church of Zoodochos Pigi (Holy Virgin of the Source of Life). It is currently a convent for monks. The monastery’s frescoes were accomplished by noted painter by Giorgos Moschos.
A living, breathing fort town is Monemvasia, linked to the Peloponnese mainland by a causeway. Originally it was built in the 6th century, changing hands between Ottomans and Venetians many times with Byzantine churches in its midst. While it is more touristic than other areas on the Peloponnese, it is worth visiting for the beautiful restoration of its medieval buildings and its reputation as a centre of art and culture.
Mentioned in Shakespear’s works, Malmsey Wine or Malvasia wine boasts an outstanding reputation. Wines from the area and beyond have created earned this wine numerous gold and silver medals. Pass by the winery to see for yourself (All year round).
From an eco perspective a visit to the Museum of Olives and Olive Oil in Sparta is a must-see. It reveals the history of olive oil production from ancient times to the present.
Albeit a Byzantine site rather than an ancient Greek site, Mystras is truly magical and a Unesco World Heritage site worthy of a visit. Mystras reveals the full legacy of the Christian Byzantine empire. The whole town is a Byzantine museum in itself with remains of churches and monasteries that are hundreds of years old…
The traditional olive mill of the two siblings Christos and Aggeliki Vergadou and the two watermills of Nikolaos Psathas and the heirs of Dimitrios Psathas are worth a visit. The traditional olive mill is one of the few surviving ones in the region and stopped working in 1958. The olive fruit used to pass in three stages to yield olive oil in a complicated process operated by a ‘koumantadoros’ who had to separate the water from the oil at the end.
In Monemvasia near Agios Ioannis there is the acropolis of Epidaurus Limeras, now known as Paliokastro or Kastraki.
A visit to Pellana will reveal a unique woodcut icon screen in the church of Our Lady at Kastori, carved by an unknown folk artisan. The screen is made of three independent parts corresponding to different parts of the church.
From Parori head to Panagia Langadiotissa, a marvellous church built inside a cave, and to the Monastery of Faneromeni in Anavryti.
Sparta might be better known, but Pellana was just as developed in ancient times, with spectacular royal Mycenaean towns and an acropolis to show for it. There is also the Sanctum of Asclepius just a few meters away from the Pellanida spring.
A well preserved Roman theatre can be found here, as well as remains of an ancient settlement called Laryssion on Mount Koumaros. The town exported the murex shell for dyeing Imperial roman togas in the colour purple.
Bulit around 1100 B.C. but destroyed in the 6th century BC probably because of flooding. Rebuilt in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. The Spartans performed dances here with masks, as the place was used to educate young Spartans.
In the Municipality of Molaon archaeological excavations have revealed remains from the Mycenaean era at Sykia, as well as Byzantine mosaics in the area of Chalasmata area and Aghios Nikolas at Pakia.
The historical furnace and lime kiln is located in an area of Agoriani called Neraidovrisi and has been there since at least the beginning of the 20th century, with evidence that it may have existed long before that. It was used for the melting of limestone and its conversion into lime. The workmen accumulated the limestone, collected wood, lit a fire and sealed it. Usually the rocks burned for three or more days and nights, which is why the area around the furnace was cleared completely, i.e. to collect wood. It was last used by Dimitrios Kafentzis around 1945 and today sadly the roof has caved in.
These wines have gotten very good ratings and offer excellent value for money.
Amazing and distinct in their architecture with beehive domes, these tombs are very representative of early Mycenaean settlements.
On the hills of Pantanassa not far from Monemvasia and in the plains of Vion, Yiannis Vatistas produces about 15 wines of excellent quality, thanks to the fantastic microclimate of the area, using both local and foreign grape varieties.
There are only a few remains of the Acropolis of Sparta, with evidence of a Roman agora, a theatre, a cyclical building and a theatre. The Church of Christ from the 1st century AD is also there.
This site flourished as far back as the prehistoric era and well into the Roman period. Spartan festivals were held there. The sanctuary was excavated in 1890, while barts of the Throne of Bathykles were retrieved from there as well.
In 1905, archaeologists found artefacts here from the Neolithic period. Researchers from the University of Amsterdam in 1997 found clay seals and coins from the Early Helladic era. There is also evidence of a Mycenaean city about 1800 BC until when the Dorians arrived. Geraki (or Ancient Geronthres) has an acropolis that is guarded with a wall, even if there are archaeological finds dating from Neolithic times, i.e. from around 6000 B.C. In Christian times the area was built up with Byzantine churches decorated with frescoes and bas relief, as well as a Frankish castle built on a hill overlooking all of the plateau of Geraki.
There is a shrine dedicated to Menelaos (or Menelaus) and Helen, along with evidence of a 5th century BC temple with votive offerings to Helen (now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Sparta).
Albeit a Byzantine site rather than an ancient Greek site, Mystras is truly magical and a Unesco World Heritage site worthy of a visit. Mystras reveals the full legacy of the Christian Byzantine empire. The whole town is a Byzantine museum in itself with remains of churches and monasteries that are hundreds of years old…
In Monemvasia near Agios Ioannis there is the acropolis of Epidaurus Limeras, now known as Paliokastro or Kastraki.
Sparta might be better known, but Pellana was just as developed in ancient times, with spectacular royal Mycenaean towns and an acropolis to show for it. There is also the Sanctum of Asclepius just a few meters away from the Pellanida spring.
A well preserved Roman theatre can be found here, as well as remains of an ancient settlement called Laryssion on Mount Koumaros. The town exported the murex shell for dyeing Imperial roman togas in the colour purple.
Bulit around 1100 B.C. but destroyed in the 6th century BC probably because of flooding. Rebuilt in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. The Spartans performed dances here with masks, as the place was used to educate young Spartans.
In the Municipality of Molaon archaeological excavations have revealed remains from the Mycenaean era at Sykia, as well as Byzantine mosaics in the area of Chalasmata area and Aghios Nikolas at Pakia.
Amazing and distinct in their architecture with beehive domes, these tombs are very representative of early Mycenaean settlements.
In Gythio (or Gythion) the castle of Goulades stands on Mavrovounio (Black Mountain). On the southwest side of Gythio near Marathea there’s the 13th century castle of Passavas, built on the ancient site of Las. Mystras, dubbed as a world-heritage UNESCO site, also has remains of a fortress and other buildings.
The impressive castle of Kelafa north of Aeropoli and to the south of Itilo was constructed by the Ottomans in 1670, seized 15 years by the locals with the help of the Venetians. There are remains of large walls and two of four towers that existed, as well as buildings parts and a canon (originally 58) for defence.
The castles of Mystras should be seen by every visitor to the area. Across the valley from Mystras is the magical Yeraki, where there is a fortress built as early as 1209 by Frankish baron Guy de Nivellet. Yeraki is at a height of 500 meters, and also boasts the well preserved Byzantine church of Saint George. It is reputed that the people of Monemvasia, Yeraki and Mystras kept in contact through smoke signals.
Above the town of Molaon within the municipality by the same name lies a small fort built by the Franks, Turks or Byzantines, depending on who you talk to.
A living, breathing fort town is Monemvasia, linked to the Peloponnese mainland by a causeway. Originally it was built in the 6th century, changing hands between Ottomans and Venetians many times with Byzantine churches in its midst. While it is more touristic than other areas on the Peloponnese, it is worth visiting for the beautiful restoration of its medieval buildings and its reputation as a centre of art and culture.
The Albano chasm is interesting for explorers. It is 70 metres deep, located high in the Taygetos Mountains, home to various stalactites and bats. In Lakonia’s Cape Tenaro near Eastern Mani, known by the name of Cape Matapan (‘end of the world’) as well, it is located at the southernmost tip of mainland Greece and Europe. The cave there is said to represent the entrance of Hades, the underworld. It is even mentioned in the Iliad.
In the municipality of Zaraka on the road to Kyparisi and past the ravine of Stavros, the bay of Pyliza with its white pebbles and villages of Vrysi, Paralia and Mitropoli are home to the well-preserved cave of Asclepios. The municipality also boasts the caves of Vris and Kyklopas (Cyclops in Greek) and Babolas.
The caves of Diros are set along a beautiful bay on the south side of Areopoli, down the west side of Mani. Investigated in the 1950s by Ioannis and Ioanna Perochilou, these caves are remarkable both for their natural features and archaeological significance.
Next to the village of Tripti about 10 kilometres from Sparta lies the gorge and cave of Kaiadas, used at some point in the war of independence a couple of hundred years ago, but now gaining significance as a landmark in this area.
In the municipality of Skala, there are two Byzantine churches of Saint George and of the Transfiguration.
If you’re near Agoriani, you might want to visit the church of Saint Nicholas, dating to around 1300 AD. The old church has many murals surrounding the saint such as the hospitality of Abraham, Birth of Christ, Resurrection, Palm Sunday, Saints of the Military, Lazarus, etc.
In Apidia, a town that’s reputed to be 6000 years old, the church of the Assumption of the Virgin has very interesting architecture, as well as a marble icon screen that is noteworthy with rich decoration.
In the municipality of Vion, several monks built small monasteries on Maleas, now dubbed the “Small Agion Oros” in reference to and comparison with the monasteries on Mount Athos.
Built in 1620, this is one of the prime monasteries in Laconia. It also has the church of Zoodochos Pigi (Holy Virgin of the Source of Life). It is currently a convent for monks. The monastery’s frescoes were accomplished by noted painter by Giorgos Moschos.
Albeit a Byzantine site rather than an ancient Greek site, Mystras is truly magical and a Unesco World Heritage site worthy of a visit. Mystras reveals the full legacy of the Christian Byzantine empire. The whole town is a Byzantine museum in itself with remains of churches and monasteries that are hundreds of years old…
A visit to Pellana will reveal a unique woodcut icon screen in the church of Our Lady at Kastori, carved by an unknown folk artisan. The screen is made of three independent parts corresponding to different parts of the church.
From Parori head to Panagia Langadiotissa, a marvellous church built inside a cave, and to the Monastery of Faneromeni in Anavryti.
At Vasilakio in the municipality of Krokees, there are remains of the towers of the Bardouniotes Turks dating from Ottoman rule. Mavromihalis Tower and Kapetanakis Tower in Areopolis are other landmarks of interest which have been restored. The Mavromihalis Tower is now a four-star hotel.
Cape Tainaro (or Tenaro) the southernmost point of mainland Europe, also belongs to the Municipality. Its lighthouse was constructed by the French in 1882 in Paris and renovated in 1930. Since 1984 it is powered by solar energy. There is a path leading to the lighthouse (about 20 minutes walk). The lighthouse was recently renovated by the Ekaterini Laskaridis Foundation, in cooperation with the Navy. At Niata the old wind-mills and dozens of stone wells around the village, are really noteworthy.
The traditional olive mill of the two siblings Christos and Aggeliki Vergadou and the two watermills of Nikolaos Psathas and the heirs of Dimitrios Psathas are worth a visit. The traditional olive mill is one of the few surviving ones in the region and stopped working in 1958. The olive fruit used to pass in three stages to yield olive oil in a complicated process operated by a ‘koumantadoros’ who had to separate the water from the oil at the end.
The historical furnace and lime kiln is located in an area of Agoriani called Neraidovrisi and has been there since at least the beginning of the 20th century, with evidence that it may have existed long before that. It was used for the melting of limestone and its conversion into lime. The workmen accumulated the limestone, collected wood, lit a fire and sealed it. Usually the rocks burned for three or more days and nights, which is why the area around the furnace was cleared completely, i.e. to collect wood. It was last used by Dimitrios Kafentzis around 1945 and today sadly the roof has caved in.
Discover what life was like in this complex fort city, known for its Venetian influence, spiritual significance, Frankish element, Ottoman rule, quality wine, churches, cisterns, hamams and public buildings. Art, pottery, sculpture, coats of arms and much more are at display within the Castle of Monemvasia.
The archaeological museum of Sparta features important exhibits from ancient times with exhibits from the sacred temples of Chalkiikou Athena and Orthia Artemida, as well as ancient Spartan frescoes.
Mystras also has an archaeological museum in a traditional building within part of the Agios Dimitrios cathedral. The collection features ceramics, frescoes, sculptures and coins, as well as Byzantine fabrics and icons.
In Anavryti within the municipality of Mystras, there is a neo-classical building (once the area’s Primary School) which is home to a geological museum featuring a photographic exhibition of Taygetos’ local flora, as well as geological curiosities and rocks. If you are a nature lover, this museum is for you!
The Koumantereios Gallery also in Sparta is located in another neoclassical edifice, boasting a permanent collection of oil paintings by European artists. It represents an island of Western culture in a very Mediterranean setting.
From an eco perspective a visit to the Museum of Olives and Olive Oil in Sparta is a must-see. It reveals the history of olive oil production from ancient times to the present.
This site flourished as far back as the prehistoric era and well into the Roman period. Spartan festivals were held there. The sanctuary was excavated in 1890, while barts of the Throne of Bathykles were retrieved from there as well.
The archaeological museum of Sparta features important exhibits from ancient times with exhibits from the sacred temples of Chalkiikou Athena and Orthia Artemida, as well as ancient Spartan frescoes.
At Vasilakio in the municipality of Krokees, there are remains of the towers of the Bardouniotes Turks dating from Ottoman rule. Mavromihalis Tower and Kapetanakis Tower in Areopolis are other landmarks of interest which have been restored. The Mavromihalis Tower is now a four-star hotel.
The castles of Mystras should be seen by every visitor to the area. Across the valley from Mystras is the magical Yeraki, where there is a fortress built as early as 1209 by Frankish baron Guy de Nivellet. Yeraki is at a height of 500 meters, and also boasts the well preserved Byzantine church of Saint George. It is reputed that the people of Monemvasia, Yeraki and Mystras kept in contact through smoke signals.
The caves of Diros are set along a beautiful bay on the south side of Areopoli, down the west side of Mani. Investigated in the 1950s by Ioannis and Ioanna Perochilou, these caves are remarkable both for their natural features and archaeological significance.
Cape Tainaro (or Tenaro) the southernmost point of mainland Europe, also belongs to the Municipality. Its lighthouse was constructed by the French in 1882 in Paris and renovated in 1930. Since 1984 it is powered by solar energy. There is a path leading to the lighthouse (about 20 minutes walk). The lighthouse was recently renovated by the Ekaterini Laskaridis Foundation, in cooperation with the Navy. At Niata the old wind-mills and dozens of stone wells around the village, are really noteworthy.
There is a shrine dedicated to Menelaos (or Menelaus) and Helen, along with evidence of a 5th century BC temple with votive offerings to Helen (now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Sparta).
Built in 1620, this is one of the prime monasteries in Laconia. It also has the church of Zoodochos Pigi (Holy Virgin of the Source of Life). It is currently a convent for monks. The monastery’s frescoes were accomplished by noted painter by Giorgos Moschos.
A living, breathing fort town is Monemvasia, linked to the Peloponnese mainland by a causeway. Originally it was built in the 6th century, changing hands between Ottomans and Venetians many times with Byzantine churches in its midst. While it is more touristic than other areas on the Peloponnese, it is worth visiting for the beautiful restoration of its medieval buildings and its reputation as a centre of art and culture.
From an eco perspective a visit to the Museum of Olives and Olive Oil in Sparta is a must-see. It reveals the history of olive oil production from ancient times to the present.
From Parori head to Panagia Langadiotissa, a marvellous church built inside a cave, and to the Monastery of Faneromeni in Anavryti.
These wines have gotten very good ratings and offer excellent value for money.
On the hills of Pantanassa not far from Monemvasia and in the plains of Vion, Yiannis Vatistas produces about 15 wines of excellent quality, thanks to the fantastic microclimate of the area, using both local and foreign grape varieties.
Mentioned in Shakespear’s works, Malmsey Wine or Malvasia wine boasts an outstanding reputation. Wines from the area and beyond have created earned this wine numerous gold and silver medals. Pass by the winery to see for yourself (All year round).
These wines have gotten very good ratings and offer excellent value for money.
On the hills of Pantanassa not far from Monemvasia and in the plains of Vion, Yiannis Vatistas produces about 15 wines of excellent quality, thanks to the fantastic microclimate of the area, using both local and foreign grape varieties.