The Medieval City of Monemvasia

Perched on a rocky peninsula, Monemvasia (also spelled Monemvassia / Μονεμβάσια in Greek) medieval jewel nestled in the southeast of mainland Greece. It is hands down one of the Captain’s favorites in Greece! ❤️

Follow the guide!

Brief history of Monemvasia

Founded in the 6^th century by Laconians fleeing the invasions of the warlike tribes coming from the North, Monemvasia became over the centuries a key strategic location in mainland Greece.

The citadel was in turn conquered by the Byzantine Empire, the Franks, the Venetians and the Ottomans, before becoming Greek at the time of the country’s independence (in the 1820s).

During the Second World War, Monemvasia was occupied by the Italians, then Germans and finally the British!

Since the 1950s, major renovations have been carried out to restore the city to its former glory. Today, Monemvassia has become an essential stop for any visitor one of the top tourist attractions in the Peloponnese!

Visiting Monemvasia

The old town of Monemvasia is closed to all motorised vehicles. The only solution: exploring the city on foot!

The Kastro, the old town of Monemvasia

The upper city

A steep path leads from the lower to the upper town: while you might feel a bit out of breath, no need to be in great physical shape to get to the top and the view is really worth the effort!

The upper town of Monemvasia is a picture-perfect pastoral haven of peace. In spring, when the landscape is covered with small country flowers, the scenery is all the more magical.

The remains of an ancient hammam dating from the 17^th century as well as ancient cisterns stand proudly amidst the brush. The church Agia Sofia (Saint Sophia), built in the 12^th century and converted into a Catholic convent under Venetian rule, became an Orthodox Church after the independence of Greece, in the early 19^th century.

The lower town

Put away your your map/GPS and get lost in the lower town’s its winding streets! Take some time to linger a while on the city’s panoramic terraces (the view is quite simply spectacular),

sit at a café and explore the charming souvenir stores where you’ll find olive oil, mead and wine of Malvasia.

Don’t miss Tapia Square, the main square of the fortified village, from which the view of the Mediterranean is simply breathtaking. That’s also where you’ll find the church of Christos Elkomenos (Christ of the Leaves), built in the 17^th century on the site of an ancient Byzantine monastery.

The Venetian walls

The Venetian walls, which surround the old city, offer beautiful views of the city and the Mediterranean.

The new city

Located on the mainland, facing the old city perched on its rock, the new city of Monemvasia, baptized Gefyra, has very little interest except for the beautiful panorama that it offers on the Kastro (the fortified city).

You will also find accommodation and food at more affordable prices than in the old town.

Access

Getting to Monemvasia

Monemvasia is located in the southeast of the Peloponnese, almost 200 kilometers/125 miles from Nafplio, 90 kilometers/55 miles from Mystras and a little over 80 kilometers/50 miles from Gythion.

Renting a car is the easiest way to get to Monemvasia. Captain Ulysses recommends taking the small scenic roads: the The journey is quite simply spectacular.

If you don’t want to drive and if your budget allows it, you can also opt for a private day trip to Monemvasia from Athens. This is a rather expensive option, but very handy, especially if you have little time and intend to travel around the Peloponnese from Athens.

You can also get the bus from Athens to Monemvasia. The journey is long, but has the undeniable merit of being cheap. For more information, visit the bus company’s website.

Where to stay in Monemvasia?

You’ll find plenty of hotels in Monemvasia.

If you can afford it, the Captain strongly recommends staying in the old town. The hotels, nestled in historic buildings, are mostly very beautiful. The Captain particularly recommends Casa Felicia, Guesthouse Kellia, Pietra Suite and Theophano Art Hotel.

If you are on a tighter budget, then you’ll find more affordable options in the new city. Villa Cazala and Filoxenia Hotel are good options.

And for an unforgettable experience, the Captain can only recommend Kinsterna Hotel: an absolute gem 6 kilometers/4 miles from the old town.

For more options, you’ll find a list of quality establishments in Monemvassia here.

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