{"id":10992,"date":"2022-11-15T16:18:55","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T16:18:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/mystras-peloponnese-greece\/"},"modified":"2024-07-16T12:46:52","modified_gmt":"2024-07-16T12:46:52","slug":"mystras-peloponnese-greece","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/mystras-peloponnese-greece\/","title":{"rendered":"The fortified town of Mystras"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1989, the archaeological site of Mystras \u2013 also spelled Mystra or Mistra \u2013 is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Peloponnese!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get your hiking shoes on, Captain Ulysses is guiding you to explore this ancient mythical city nestled in the southern Peloponnese!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udca1 Hot Tips<\/strong> \ud83d\udca1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udca4 Accommodations:<\/strong><\/strong> Top hotels in the Peloponnese<\/a> & in Athens<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\ude97 Car Rental:<\/strong> compare the deals<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfdb Plan Your Stay:<\/strong> The Complete Guide to the Peloponnese<\/a> and The Complete Guide to Athens <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Brief history of Mystras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of Mystras is eventful to say the least! Founded\nin 1249 by the Franks under the leadership of William II of Villehardouin, the\ncity was quickly conquered by the Byzantines. William II of\nVillehardouin, who had been taken prisoner during a battle, gave up Mystras to his\nenemies in exchange for his freedom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the following centuries, the city took grew considerably, so much so that it was at some point\nthe 2nd<\/sup> largest city in the Byzantine Empire\nafter Constantinople. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 14th<\/sup> century, Mystras came in turn under the control\nof the Ottoman Empire, then of the Venetians between 1687 and 1715 and briefly of\nRussians in 1770 before returning to the hands of the Turks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the latter destroyed the city during the Greek war of independence (in the\n1820s). It was then abandoned in favor of\nof Sparta, which became the new local administrative capital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1989, the ruins of the city of Mystras were listed as the\nUnesco World Heritage Site. Today, the archaeological site has become\none of the top tourist attractions in the Peloponnese. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visiting Mystras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The fortress of Mystras<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Perched on top of the promontory on which Mystras is built,\nthe fortress culminates at 620 meters\/680 yards of altitude and offers a magnificent panorama\non the rest of the site below and the surrounding landscapes as well as\nMount Taygetos. In spring, the fortress is covered with\nwild flowers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Built by William II of Villehardouin in 1249, the\ncitadel of Mystras was enlarged during the following centuries by the Byzantines\nand later the Turks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Fortress<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Fortress<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The Despot’s Palace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Below the fortress, the Despot’s Palace is\ncomprised of a group of buildings erected at different times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This was the residence of the despot who ruled Mystras\nduring the Byzantine Empire. The palace also housed the headquarters of the\nDespotate of the Morea , a Province of the Byzantine Empire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Despot's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The churches and monasteries of Mystras<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The archaeological site of Mystras includes a plethora of churches\nand monasteries decorated with magnificent frescoes and surprisingly well preserved. Among these,\nbe sure to have a look at: <\/p>\n\n\n\n