Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The rock island of Monemvasia was part of the mainland until it was cut off by an earth-
quake in AD 375. Its name means 'single entry' ( moni - single, emvasia - entry), as
there is only one way into the medieval town.
During the 6th century, barbarian incursions forced inhabitants of the surrounding area
to retreat to this natural rock fortress. By the 13th century it had become the principal
commercial centre of Byzantine Morea, complementing Mystras, the spiritual centre. It
was famous throughout Europe for its highly praised Malvasia-grape wine.
The Franks, Venetians and Turks all invaded in the following centuries. During the
War of Independence its Turkish inhabitants were massacred after their surrender, fol-
lowing a three-month siege.
Sights
Kastro - Medieval Town HISTORIC AREA
'You can find everything you want in this city - except water', observed an 18th- century
Turkish traveller. In fact, the Kastro is almost wholly surrounded by ocean, while pre-
cious fresh water was stored in underground cisterns, many of which have been conver-
ted into rooms within hotels.
These days, the narrow, cobbled main street is lined with souvenir shops and tavernas,
flanked by winding stairways that weave between a complex network of stone houses
with walled gardens and courtyards. The main street leads to the central square and the
Cathedral of Christ in Chains , dating from the 13th century. Opposite is the Church of
Agios Pavlos , built in 956. Further along the main street is the Church of Myrtidiotissa ,
virtually in ruins, but still with a small altar and a defiantly flickering candle. Overlook-
ing the sea is the whitewashed 16th-century Church of Panagia Hrysafitissa .
The path to the fortress and the upper town is signposted up the steps to the left of
the central square. The upper town is now a vast and fascinating jumbled ruin, except for
the Church of Agia Sofia , which perches on the edge of a sheer cliff.
Monemvasia Archaeological Museum MUSEUM
( 27320 61403; adult/concession €2/1; 8.30am-3pm Tue-Sun winter, 9am-4pm Tue-Sun
summer) This small museum, housed in the village's oldest surviving (former) temple,
Agios Andreas (AD 596), displays a detailed map of Monemvasia, useful for orientating
yourself. It also houses finds unearthed in the course of excavations and building around
the old town. The star turn is the templon (chancel screen) from an 11th- century church
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