11/18/2015
Contents
- 1 Monemvasia is one of the most amazing places in the Peloponnese and Greece, once known as the commercial center of the Byzantine empire. This small town is divided into Upper and Lower parts. The first is an archaeological monument under the open sky, and the second is a modern settlement, where there is everything for tourists. What you can see in Monemvasia and where it stands go?
- 2 The city’s attractions
- 3 Monemvasia beaches
- 4 Where to go near Monemvasia?
Monemvasia is one of the most amazing places in the Peloponnese and Greece, once known as the commercial center of the Byzantine empire. This small town is divided into Upper and Lower parts. The first is an archaeological monument under the open sky, and the second is a modern settlement, where there is everything for tourists. What you can see in Monemvasia and where it stands go?
The city’s attractions
The colorful old part of Monemvasia occupies the territory a small island. It was believed that such a “shelter” makes the city invisible from the sea. On the impregnable rock islands are located remains of architectural monuments. You can go upstairs by car, which will have to leave in front of the entrance to the fortress. In the old Monemvasia has preserved fragments of many buildings, including the Acropolis. Better than others, the church of St. Sophia, which was built on cliff edge in the twelfth century under the emperor Andronicus. After taking Monemvasia Venetians church became a Catholic cathedral, and with Turks was used as a mosque. In the XX century. the church took reconstruction, and now it is considered one of the most important Byzantine temples of Greece.
There are about 40 churches in Monemvasia, which are the main ones. sights of this city. These include the Cathedral of Christ with a carved inscription at the entrance. Judging by it, the building was erected in the XVII at. Inside you can see the marble iconostasis and Byzantine icons.
photo: Kim Petersen
One of the best preserved buildings of Monemvasia is the mosque. Now in this building there is the Archaeological Museum, which presents an extensive collection of city finds. Among the exhibits – parts of fortress walls and temples, ceramic objects, marble, sculptures and household items.
Nea Monemvasia (or Gefira) – the modern part of the city, connected to Old Monemvasia by a small dam. Walk along it the streets – a real journey in the Middle Ages. Tourists here can find all the amenities needed for a holiday. The city has noisy night bars, craft shops and good taverns. Him historic houses have been restored and refurbished long ago in hotels, and not only in budget apartments, but also in luxury hotels. The age of most homes has several hundreds of years.
Monemvasia beaches
As in most cities of Greece, inspection attractions in Monemvasia can be combined with the rest on coast. The main urban beach of Mandraki is located next to by the port. The coast in Monemvasia is narrow, but the sea is clean, and Tourists are offered water sports and fishing. Nearby there are taverns and comfortable apartments.
2 km from the city is located quiet Pori beach. It is adjacent to the traditional village and will delight connoisseurs relaxing holiday surrounded by pristine landscapes. Despite privacy, Pori infrastructure is developed perfectly. Near work car rental points, supermarkets and hotels.
The long beach of Xifias is located 7 km from Monemvasia. Its surroundings are popular mainly among Europeans, who bought a house here. Therefore Xifias has a good developed infrastructure.
Pera Kakavos – another beach 2 km from the city. Here awaits the turquoise sea and untouched landscapes. Some days Pera Kakavos is great for surfing.
photo: moniemvasis.gr
Where to go near Monemvasia?
Going to Monemvasia, it is worth visiting the nearest villages. They have kept the typical Greek flavor. Ayios Ioannis – one of these settlements, located 8 km from the city. Unlike many villages in which you can only stroll through the streets and then leave, Ayios Ioannis is known for great taverns and excellent the kitchen. Gerakas is another village 20 km from Monemvasia. Here good fish restaurants work. In addition, you can swim in azure bay and visit the church Agios Georgios, built in the XIX century. And in the village of Ayia Paraskevi tourists can plunge into traditional greek lifestyle and relax in calm coves
Monemvasia is an example of how the Byzantine past can live with modernity within the boundaries of one city. Despite that many monuments are destroyed, Monemvasia can be good starting point for exploring one of the most authentic regions of Greece.
