General View

Nicknamed "The Gibraltar of Greece" because of its strategic importance during the Middle Age, Monemvasia was a virtula ghost town bu the 20th century. Today this rocky island just off the easternmost tip of the Peloponnese has a new lease on life. Wealthy foreigners and Greeks are buying and restoring old house here. Further-more, word is getting out that addition to its medieval fortress, handsome churches, and drop-dead sunseats. Monemvasia has several of the most stylish small hotels in the Peloponnese. 

A LOOK AT THE PAST:

The ancient name of the town, Minoa, points to a Cretan settlements. 6 km N are the remains (town walls and a number of temples of the 1st milenniumB.C.) of the Mycenaean settlement of Epidauros Limera. Monemvasia first appeared on the stage of history, however, in the 8th century, when it became place of refuge for Greek fleeing before the Slav invasion of Laconia. It soon developed into a flourishing port, which was able to repel a norman attack in 1149 and was taken by Guillama de Villedhardouin in 1249 only after a three years siege. only 14 years later, he was compelled to return Monemvasia, together with Mistra and Maina, to the Bizantine emperor, by whom he had been taken prisoner. In 1460, faced with the threat of Turkish attack, the town submitted to the authority of the pope. later is passed under Venetian rule, but in 1540 fell into the hands of the Turks, who held it (with another Venetian interlude 1690-1715) until 1821. the name of Monemvasia survives in garbled form in the wine called Malmsey, which was originally produced here and exported in large quantities.

WHAT TO SEE & DO:

A Stroll
Monemvasia is a great place to wander, but how lost can you get on a island 800m long and half again as wide? From the Citadel, there are truly spectacular views down to the red-tile roofs of Monemvasia, out cross the sea and deep into the mountain of the Mani peninsula. While you're on the citadel, try to figure out just how the 13th century Church of Agia Sophia, was built over the edge of the cliffs. You'll pass the Church of Christos Elkomenos, across from a Venetian canon, as well a Mosque and the Venetian chapel of Panagia Chrissafitissa.

GETTING THERE:

195 km. from Tolo, 340 km from Athena
Altitude 5-300m; Population: 6.000
By Bus
There is one direct bus a day from the Stathmos Leoforia Peloponisou in Athens, and six daily buses via Sparta.
By Boat
There is Flying Dolphin hydrofoil service from Marina Zea, Piraeus.
By Car
From Athens - Corinth - Tripolis - Sparta.