What to see in Monemvasía (Greece), a charming town in the Peloponnese

When preparing the last trip to greece There were several places that aroused our curiosity, one of them was Monemvasía, and now we can say that it is worth taking a detour to get to know it.

The interest of the fortified medieval village of Monemvasía It begins with its own location, on a strange island that is almost attached to the mainland, but it also attracts with its architecture and history.

The complex is now very well restored, so it is a delight to walk through it slowly.

Several of the houses have been converted into hotels with charm, restaurants, cafes and shops.

Monemvasía, charming town in Peloponnese

For all these reasons we do not hesitate to recommend the visit to Monemvasía when preparing a Peloponnese sightseeing trip, in Greece.

It will surely become one of the unforgettable stages of the tour.

Monemvasía looks out at the eastern coast of the Peloponnese, and a certain distance separates it from the best-known itineraries of this southern part of Greece.

That is why it has not become one of the star destinations of this peninsula until relatively few years ago, although now it is one of the most charming places in the whole Greece.

Where is and how to get to Monemvasía in Peloponnese

Monemvasía It is located on an islet that is an immense rock about 150 meters high and with very vertical walls, which is connected to the continent by a road.

The curious thing is that the little fortified medieval village de Monemvasía It is not visible from the coast since it is hidden behind the immense promontory that the island occupies, in the farthest part of the continent.

Its name explains its location since it comes from moné embasis, “an entrance” in Greek.

Another curiosity about the name is that it gave rise to malmsey since this type of wine was mainly exported from this port.

Versus Monemvasía, on the mainland, is found Gefira, a small modern town with plenty of accommodation and restaurants, a cheaper option for visitors although probably less charming.

Curiosities history of Monemvasía

Much of the interest of Monemvasía It is due, in addition to its peculiar geographical location, to its long history.

The town was founded in the year 583 by the Byzantine emperor Mauricio as a place of refuge for the population of the area who suffered attacks from different barbarian towns.

The first inhabitants of Monemvasía They were installed at the top of the promontory, which is relatively flat and a true natural fortress.

The place experienced its moment of splendor from the second half of the 13th century, when the commercial privileges granted by the Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos They made it an important port through which all trade between Constantinople and the western Mediterranean passed.

In this age Monemvasía became the main port of Master, the capital of moray eel, as he was known Peloponnesus at that time.

Such an important place was besieged on numerous occasions and Catalan mercenaries, papal envoys, the Venetian navy and, of course, the Ottoman armies passed through here.

In 1821 it was the first citadel liberated by the Greek insurgents.

However, in the 70s of the XNUMXth century this small town was practically abandoned and in ruins.

But an intense process of reconstruction and renovation, very well carried out with traditional materials and styles, has allowed the unity of the complex to be preserved and turned into a one of the most attractive towns in Greece.

What to see when visiting Monemvasía in Peloponnese

The peculiar conditions of its location mean that we can divide Monemvasía in an upper city and a lower one, on top of the rock and on the edge of the sea, respectively.

La natural access road is from Gefira and continuing along the road to the western entrance of the wall.

Then we will see that the city is surrounded on three sides by a strong wall. On the north side, it is not necessary since the rocky mass serves as protection.

In high season It is best to come walking from Gefira since we probably won't find a place to park the car.

Occasionally there is a bus service, although it is really not essential.

The entrance through the fortified gate of the wall It allows direct access to the main street.

This road is surrounded by sturdy two-story houses and most of them are dedicated to tourist businesses.

Church of Christos Helkomenos in Monemvasía

You then arrive at the main square, where is the church of Christos Helkomenos, main temple of Monemvasía.

The Italian-style bell tower was built in the second period of Venetian domination.

In the same square is the archeological Museum local, located in an old mosque, and the former residence of the Bishop of Monemvasía.

From here the best thing is to wander aimlessly through the surrounding streets that go up and down and often become passageways, allowing yourself to be surprised at each turn by different very attractive places.

We will probably end up returning to the square several times on this tour.

At some point we will find the south gate of the wall, which opens directly to the sea. It is a very suggestive corner, and you can climb to the top of this part of the wall and walk part of it.

Byzantine hermitage of Panagia Chysaphitissa in Monemvasía

Further on you reach a large open space next to the wall.

In this place stands out the white church of Panagia Chysaphitissa, which is like a byzantine hermitage completely whitewashed.

From this area you can leave the walled area through the eastern gate. Outside there is only rock and sea and a path allows you to immediately reach the lighthouse.

Back inside we begin to climb slowly, and along the way we will find different churches, such as Agios Nikolaos, and several more that it is not known to whom they were dedicated.

The climb to the top of the promontory, where the Upper City, you have to take it calmly since the slope is very steep and the ground is very uneven.

It is time to remember the usual advice to wear comfortable and resistant footwear, and, especially in summer, to be well protected from the sun.

You should always bring some water, although we will surely stop at a cafe before starting the climb.

There are several with very attractive terraces from where they are excellent views of the lower part of the city and the sea that extends to the horizon.

The climb, as has already been said, must be taken calmly. You have to avoid unnecessary efforts and, above all, enjoy the panorama that opens up with every step.

At one point you can see a path that leads, to the right, to a tiny chapel that opens in the vertical wall.

The way to the top has to go through two gates, from where the city was defended in case of attack.

Best panoramic views of Monemvasía

When you reach the top there is a kind of terrace from where one looks out into infinity and the view flies over the roofs of Monemvasía.

This upper part is dotted with the remains of buildings, many in ruins.

Although the natural tendency would be to head directly towards Hagia Sophia, it is best to turn right and then enjoy an amazing view of this church that overlooks the precipice.

Church of Santa Sofia in Monemvasía

Hagia Sophia is the major Monemvasía church and it is relatively well preserved because it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman occupation.

The church is Byzantine, from the 12th century, although with Venetian additions.

Inside, the dome, the capitals of the columns and, above all, the frescoes that appear on different walls stand out.

If you have time, it is still possible to climb to the top of the rock, where the castle was located, and when descending there are two possibilities.

On the one hand we can enter again into the Lower Town, but also take a path to the right and return towards Gefira walking calmly down the hillside thus avoiding road traffic.