Mystras – A World Heritage Site in Greece
Mystras, a World Heritage Site in Lakonia, Greece, is the best preserved example of medieval walled city in the Greek region. It fascinates the modern traveler with its castle, churches and the palatial complex of the ruling Byzantine dynasty, bearing witness to its bygone greatness.
Mystras is one of those destinations that can be visited all year round.
Enjoy the photos of Mystras, taken during GTP’s visit this year.
Photos by Maria Theofanopoulou ©
The palaces
The Despots’ palaces were built on a level expanse of the hill. Buildings for various uses form a large complex dominated by the throne room. (early 15th c.)
Pantanassa
Built in 1428 by Ioannis Phrangopoulos (high court official). It is a masterful synthesis borrowing from Gothic art for its decoration. The ground floor frescos date to the 17th-18th c.
Evangelistria
A small, elegant church with burial annexes to its south and west. It preserves frescos probably dating to the late 14th or 15th c.
Ruins of the upper city
Middle city
Saint Sophia (Agia Sofia)
This was the monastery’s cathedral church and it preserves in its sculptures the initials of its founder, the first Despot fo Mystras Manuel Kantakouzenos (1348-1380). the monument scene of Christ is among its most impressive paintings.
The city’s water supply
Byzantine ruins
The Metropolis of Mystras
Saint Demetrios – Agios Dimitrios, was most probably built after Mystras was turned over to the Byzantines (1262). Its important frescos are characterized by a variety of styles, owing to the different periods when they were painted (late 13th – early 14th c.) and the varying expressive means employed by the painters who created them.
Gates
Paths
Mystras Museum
The Museum displays works from the artistic production of the Despotate, as well as utilitarian objects which allow the exploration of aspects of the daily life of Mystras’ residents. It also displays the diverse and two-way relationship that Byzantine developed with Western Europe during the final centuries of the empire.
Accommodation
If you are looking for places to stay, check GTP accommodation for MYSTRAS
Things to do
Gone off-the-beaten track!
You can also follow one of Taygeto’s mountain paths.
At Hellaspath.gr you can find detailed routes with coordinates.
- Mystras-Taygetos (coddled road), 2,5 Km.
- Parori-Zagouna-Faneromeni (coddled road), 3,5 Km
- Faneromeni-Anavryti (path), 1,5 Km
- Ag. Ioannis-Anavryti (path), 3 Km
- Anavryti-Lakomata (path), 4,5 Km
- Diastavrosi-Livadi (path), 3 Km
- Pedestrianized street Sparta-Mystras castle
- Mystras-Vouvaloi area
Relaxing
Afterwards, enjoy a wonderful meal at CHROMATA restaurant and the view at Viel cafe-bistro at Pikoulianika. Do not miss on your way back to pass by En Hatipi at Sparti for a delicious local dish!