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While cruising round Greece with Silversea Cruises, we anchored near Monemvasia, an island simply off the east coast off the Peloponnese peninsula. I’d by no means heard of this island earlier than, so I used to be curious to take the tender to shore and test it out.
Monemvasia is related to the mainland by a 200 meter-long strip of land referred to as a tombolo and is surrounded by the Myrtoan Sea. The island is sort of a sight to behold – it options a big plateau that towers round 100m (330ft) above the ocean, measuring as much as 300 m (980 ft) broad and 1 kilometer (0.62 mi) lengthy.
Often known as the “Gibraltar of the east” Monemvasia was based all the way in which again within the sixth century, making it one of many oldest continually-inhabited fortified cities in Europe. If you end up on a Greek cruise or visiting the Peloponnese, it’s positively value a day journey to this romantic and magical place.
In this Monemvasia journey information I’ll present you tips on how to get there, and what there may be to do in your go to.
Where is Monemvasia, Greece?
Monemvasia is positioned within the south of Greece, simply off the mainland. More particularly, the island is positioned within the municipality of Laconia, simply east of the Peloponnese peninsula.
Monemvasia is what’s often called a “tied island”, and is linked to the mainland through a causeway. Cars can cross this causeway through the Monemvasia Bridge.
How to Get to Monemvasia
Cruise
As I discussed beforehand, my cruise ship included Monemvasia as one of many ports of name. All I needed to do was hop on a young and I used to be whisked straight to shore. This was my first and solely time cruising, however I’d fortunately do it once more, particularly in a spot like Greece. It was good to get up in a brand new place on daily basis and see a bunch of various islands with out having to fret about transportation.
Car
If you’re visiting Monemvasia from the mainland, you’ll have to fly into Athens after which journey by bus or automotive. There’s no airport in Monemvasia.
Use Rentalcars.com or Discover Cars to search out and e book a automotive rental in Athens. Once you’ve picked up your automotive, drive alongside the Greek National Road that goes to Tripolis. Once you attain Tripolis, comply with the path to Sparti and Gythio. Before reaching Gythio, you’ll see indicators to Monemvasia. The distance between Athens and Monemvasia is about 320 km and takes roughly 4 hours.
Cars can’t enter the Castle Town, however they’ll drive as much as the principle gate to drop guests off.
If you’re arriving by automotive, you’ll have to park your automobile in the principle car parking zone, which is positioned within the fashionable city of Gefyra on the mainland. You’ll see it to the precise hand aspect of the causeway as you strategy.
In summertime there’s a daily shuttle bus that takes guests from the beginning of the causeway to the principle gate, and it ought to value round €1.10. Alternatively you’ll be able to cross the causeway on foot – the stroll takes about 20 minutes.
Bus
If you don’t wish to lease a automotive, there are day by day KTEL buses from Athens that go to Monemvasia through Sparta or Molai. Buses depart from Kifissos KTEL Bus Station and the journey takes round 5 hours – a bit longer than the automotive journey.
Check the next web site for schedules: www.ktel-lakonias.gr.
What is the Meaning of Monemvasia?
The city’s title derives from two Greek phrases, moni (μόνη, ‘single’) and emvasis (έμβασις, ‘approach’), and collectively they imply “city of single passage”.
A Brief History of Monemvasia
Monemvasia was based by the Byzantines within the sixth century, from the relocation of the inhabitants of Ancient Sparta, who deserted their metropolis after a Slav raid. The city was carved fully out of the bottom of a sea rock, and was invisible from the mainland, which protected it from enemy assaults. Originally the one method to attain the island was by boat, however finally a pathway was created to attach it to the mainland. This is how Monemvasia will get its title.
Due to its strategic location on necessary sea routes, Monemvasia finally developed into an necessary business and cultural heart. Over the years, the island turned the goal of many raids from pirates and Western rulers, nevertheless it has remained repeatedly inhabited till right this moment.
The settlement skilled vital progress through the eleventh and twelfth centuries, and through that point necessary monuments have been constructed, together with the Church of Agia Sophia, and the Church of Elkomenos Christos.
Over the centuries Monemvasia was captured by the Venetians, the Crusaders and the Ottomans, who left their very own influences on the island. It was finally surrendered to the Greeks in 1821 through the War of Independence, after a four-month siege referred to as the Siege of Monemvasia.
Today, Monemvasia appears like an open-air museum, crammed with traces of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian historical past.
Things to Do in Monemvasia
Monemvasia is a small island, so it’s straightforward to get round on foot. The primary attraction right here is the fort city, which is split into two halves – the “lower town” and the “upper town”. There’s additionally a brand new, fashionable city referred to as Gefyra, which has been constructed reverse the rock, however there isn’t a lot to see there.
Walk by Monemvasia’s primary gate and also you’ll arrive within the decrease city – a really quaint place with cobbled streets, Byzantine church buildings, fairly flowers and slim alleyways.
Many of the buildings have been transformed into boutiques, cafes, motels, guesthouses and eating places. While you’ll be able to stroll round Monemvasia in only a few minutes, it’s straightforward to spend hours right here simply ingesting espresso and admiring its magnificence.
The higher city lies largely in break, however was as soon as dwelling to grand palaces, mosques and church buildings. Today it’s uninhabited, and the one constructing that lies largely intact is the Agia Sophia Church. Still, the higher city is value visiting for its panoramic views of the ocean and all the settlement.
Here are among the finest issues to do in Monemvasia:
Plateia Dsami
Plateia Dsami is Monemvasia’s primary sq., and options two of Monemvasia’s most notable buildings – the Muslim Mosque and Elkomenos Christos Church. The sq. is surrounded by cafes and eating places, and is the right place to whereas away a day.
The Archaeological Museum of Monemvasia
The Archeological Museum is housed contained in the well-preserved sixteenth century Muslim Mosque. It options a big array of artefacts which were gathered from Monemvasia and the encircling space. On show you’ll see door frames and elements of the city’s crumbled buildings, in addition to ceramics and pottery.
Elkomenos Christos (Church of Christ in Chains)
A spotlight of the decrease city is Elkomenos Christos – a small Byzantine church constructed in 1697. The church is devoted to Jesus Christ, who was lead chained to Crucifixion. Notable options are the gorgeous bell tower, which was constructed within the 18th century, and the marble iconostasis, which was created in 1801 by the Tinian artist Yorgios Kaparias.
Over the years Elkomenos Christos was often broken and raided throughout invasions. Many of the icons contained in the church have been stolen or moved someplace else, though you’ll be able to nonetheless see a number of uncommon icons on show.
Hike to the Upper Town & Acropolis of Monemvasia
If you don’t thoughts the train, climb up the steep, zigzag walkway to achieve the uninhabited higher a part of city. This half was as soon as dwelling to Venetian aristocracy and a whole bunch of lovely mansions. Today they’re in ruins, nevertheless it’s nonetheless value visiting for the gorgeous panoramic views of Monemvasia and the Myrtoan Sea.
Church of Agia Sophia
A spotlight of the higher city is the Church of Agia Sophia, a Byzantine church that was initially devoted to Panagia Hodegetria. The church occupies a panoramic location on the sting of a sheer cliff, and is among the most photographed spots in Monemvasia.
The Venetians used it as a Catholic church devoted to Madonna, whereas the Ottomans transformed it right into a mosque. It was restored to a Christian place of worship within the Thirties after Greece gained independence.
Portello Beach Swimming Area
Greek summers can get fairly sizzling, so if you happen to fancy a dip, pay a go to to the Portobello Beach swimming space. It’s not technically a seashore – extra of a showering platform – however there’s a set of stairs that lead into the ocean. You’ll usually see locals and vacationers swimming right here to chill off within the noon solar.
Panagia Church
A second sq. – Chrysafitissa Square – is dominated by the Church of Panagia, which was constructed within the seventeenth century through the first Turkish occupation. This whitewashed church has a dome-shaped roof and continues to be in operation to this present day.
Monemvasia Lighthouse
The Lighthouse of Monemvasia might be reached by a small passageway on the far finish of the sq.. The views from listed below are breathtaking and it’s a great spot to look at the sundown or dawn. Built in 1896, the lighthouse measures 6.5 meters in top and encompasses a sq. stone tower with a lantern connected to a 1-story stone keeper’s home. It was briefly broken throughout World War II, however was finally restored and resumed operation in 1945. If you wish to be taught extra about Monemvasia Lighthouse, there’s a small exhibition in the home reverse the lighthouse that includes pictures and data.
Yiannis Ritsos House
Yiannis Ritsos was a well-known Greek poet and an lively member of the Greek Resistance throughout World War II. His home, which is positioned in Monemvasia, is being become a municipal museum targeted on his life story and his reference to Monemvasia.
Drink Malvasia Wine
During the Byzantine and Venetian intervals, one in every of Monemvasia’s most well-known commodities was wine, or ‘oino’ in Greek. The vineyards have been positioned on the mainland, whereas fermentation and storage was dealt with on the island. The Venetian’s usually referred to Monemvasia as “Malvasia” on maps, which is how Malvasia wine obtained its title.
Wine manufacturing on the island began across the thirteenth century and continued for about 300 years till Turks invaded and banned the custom. However, the Venetians beloved this candy wine a lot that they started producing it in different areas, and malvasia wine manufacturing unfold to a lot of locations throughout the continent, together with Crete, Italy, Spain and the Canary Islands.
In 1997 a gentleman referred to as George Tsibidis established Monemvasia Wines with the purpose of restoring the manufacturing of Malvasia wine at its birthplace. The vineyard is positioned round 10 Km away from the Castle of Monemvasia and encompasses a tasting room the place guests can attempt a glass of Malvasia wine. If you don’t handle to make it to the vineyard, you can even attempt malvasia at Byron’s Wine Tasting Bar within the fort city.
Monemvasia Hotels
I’d positively advocate reserving a keep within the previous fort city if you happen to can afford it. The decrease city is extremely fairly with historic church buildings, cute cafes and delightful sea views. Here are some good choices on your keep:
- Moni Emvasis Luxury Suites
- Likinia Hotel
- Lazareto Hotel
- Hotel Byzantino Monemvasia
- Malvasia Traditional Hotel
- House within the Castle
If you’re touring on a funds , you’ll discover extra inexpensive lodging choices within the new city. Check out these motels:
- Aktaion Hotel
- Filoxenia Hotel Monemvasia
- The Flower of Monemvasia
Where to Eat in Monemvasia Greece
Oinomelo
Matoula Restaurant
Voltes
Enetiko Cafe & Cocktail Bar –
Emvasis Cafe
Chrisovuolo Cafe Restaurant Bar
Vasythfairo Bar
Kapheneio
Peinakothḗkē
How Many Days do You Need in Monemvasia
Monemvasia is small, and you may simply discover each the higher and decrease cities of Monemvasia in sooner or later. However, the sheer magnificence and romantic nature of this place means you could wish to spend an evening or two right here.
Is Monemvasia, Greece, Worth Visiting?
Yes, Monemvasia is attractive! It takes some time to get there although from Athens, so I’d recommend you propose to remain there for the evening, or discover extra of the Laconia area. If you occur to be taking a Greek cruise that stops at Monemvasia, positively take the tender to Monemvasia and spend a day wandering across the previous Castle Town. It’s extremely fairly and picturesque, and can be excellent for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
For extra Greece inspiration, take a look at my Greece journey information and this fashionable Mykonos and Santorini itinerary.