Little remains of ancient Sparta, but approximately 8 Kms west of it, in a lovely setting, high on the slopes of Mount Taiyetos, overlooking the city of Sparta and the fertile plain surrounding it is the fascinating 15th-century Byzantine g
host town of Mystra. The last stand of the imperial Paleologos family, Mystra has a ruined royal palace and superbly frescoed Byzantine Churches (Agios Demitrios, Odigitria, Pantanassa, Peribleptos and Evangelistria)The castle on the top of the hill was founded in 1249 by the Frankish leader William II de Villeharduin. After 1262 it came under Byzantine control, and at the middle of the 
14th century became the seat of the Despot of Moreas. In 1448 the last emperor of Byzantium, Constantine XI Palaeologos, was crowned at Mystras. In 1460 the hill was captured by the Turks and in 1464 Sigismondo Malatesta of Rimini managed to capture the city but not the castle. For a short period Mystras came under the control of the Venetians (1687-1715) but was again taken over by the Turks. It was one of the first castles of Greece to be liberated in 1821. The foundation of modern Sparta by king Otto in 1834 marked the end of the old town's life
How to Reach
If you are visiting Mystra stay in Sparta or Githeon (if you prefer coast) is an option. But since Mystra is about three hour drive from Athens it can be done as a day-trip with the option of exploring Corinth en-route.
14th century became the seat of the Despot of Moreas. In 1448 the last emperor of Byzantium, Constantine XI Palaeologos, was crowned at Mystras. In 1460 the hill was captured by the Turks and in 1464 Sigismondo Malatesta of Rimini managed to capture the city but not the castle. For a short period Mystras came under the control of the Venetians (1687-1715) but was again taken over by the Turks. It was one of the first castles of Greece to be liberated in 1821. The foundation of modern Sparta by king Otto in 1834 marked the end of the old town's lifeHow to Reach
If you are visiting Mystra stay in Sparta or Githeon (if you prefer coast) is an option. But since Mystra is about three hour drive from Athens it can be done as a day-trip with the option of exploring Corinth en-route.
From Athens by Car: Take the National Highway that links Athens to Corinth. After you pass the Corinth Channel, you take the Highway to Tripoli. From Tripoli, you go to Sparti. Note that the road to Sparti is not a highway but a rural road. From Sparta, you follow the signs to Mystras. The distance from Athens to Mystras is 230 km, while from Sparta is about 5 km. The whole trip takes about 3 hours and a half.
From Athens by Bus: There are KTEL coaches from Athens going to Sparti. They depart from the bus terminal located in 100, Kifisou St., and the trip takes about four hours. From Sparti, you take the bus or a taxi to Mystras, 5 km away.
Mystra in pictures: http://www.islandstrolling.com/mainland/peloponnes/english/mystra.htm
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment