Monemvasia is said to have 40 churches. Twenty-four of them have been documented and bear witness to the castle’s history, incorporating Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman elements. Of particular importance is the Christ Elkomenos (6th century), which once held the icon of the Crucifixion, considered the largest and most beautiful icon of the Palaiologian Renaissance.
© Dimitris Vlaikos
Take “Voltes”, a fortified path snaking up the rock of Monemvasia. Unlike the lively Lower Town, the hill’s summit (once an aristocratic neighborhood) is characterized by absolute silence and stark ruins. The intact Gate House, however, the Church of Aghia Sophia (12th century) and the panoramic view of the castle and the sea are spell- binding.
One of Monemvasia’s most popular spots, thanks to the sea view and spacious parapet suitable for a relaxing break in the sunshine. Here one finds the often-photographed cannon, the Church of Christ Elkomenos and the mosque which houses the archaeological collection. [Tel. (+30) 27310.614.03]
© Olga Charami
The easiest walk you can do in Monemvasia is along the south wall, between the city and the sea. Apart from the small squares you meet, you will discover the passage to the Portello, the only sea gate through which goods were once transferred and today an ideal spot for swimming.
© Clairy Moustafellou
An original exhibition assembled from the personal collection of photographer Takis Aivalis, recipient of the Guinness Award; featuring fascinating cameras dating as early as the late 19th century; includes everything from wooden cameras to rapid-exposure cameras employed in war planes. [Neos Mystras, Tel. (+30) 6972.081.737]
The Byzantine churches of the Lower Town include the metropolis (Aghios Dimitrios), where the last emperor of the Byzantine Empire, Constantine XI Palaiologos, was sworn in; the Evangelistria; the saints Theodore and Hodegetria-Aphendiko; the Peribleptos; and the Monastery of the Pantanassa, still a home for nuns.
Greece Is | October 9th, 2015
According to legend, a visit to Monemvasia with your loved one ensures the union will lead to marriage, in which case one of Monemvasia or Mystras’ numerous churches will serve as the perfect venue. Strict guidelines have been followed for the preservation of the region, and the quaint stone buildings and narrow cobbled alleyways set the scene for hours of atmospheric exploration.
Monemvasia is said to have 40 churches. Twenty-four of them have been documented and bear witness to the castle’s history, incorporating Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman elements. Of particular importance is the Christ Elkomenos (6th century), which once held the icon of the Crucifixion, considered the largest and most beautiful icon of the Palaiologian Renaissance.
© Dimitris Vlaikos
Take “Voltes”, a fortified path snaking up the rock of Monemvasia. Unlike the lively Lower Town, the hill’s summit (once an aristocratic neighborhood) is characterized by absolute silence and stark ruins. The intact Gate House, however, the Church of Aghia Sophia (12th century) and the panoramic view of the castle and the sea are spell- binding.
One of Monemvasia’s most popular spots, thanks to the sea view and spacious parapet suitable for a relaxing break in the sunshine. Here one finds the often-photographed cannon, the Church of Christ Elkomenos and the mosque which houses the archaeological collection. [Tel. (+30) 27310.614.03]
© Olga Charami
The easiest walk you can do in Monemvasia is along the south wall, between the city and the sea. Apart from the small squares you meet, you will discover the passage to the Portello, the only sea gate through which goods were once transferred and today an ideal spot for swimming.
© Clairy Moustafellou
An original exhibition assembled from the personal collection of photographer Takis Aivalis, recipient of the Guinness Award; featuring fascinating cameras dating as early as the late 19th century; includes everything from wooden cameras to rapid-exposure cameras employed in war planes. [Neos Mystras, Tel. (+30) 6972.081.737]
The Byzantine churches of the Lower Town include the metropolis (Aghios Dimitrios), where the last emperor of the Byzantine Empire, Constantine XI Palaiologos, was sworn in; the Evangelistria; the saints Theodore and Hodegetria-Aphendiko; the Peribleptos; and the Monastery of the Pantanassa, still a home for nuns.
Mystras and Monemvasia, the great Byzantine castles of the Peloponnese,...
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