Mystras

The captivating ruins of churches, libraries, strongholds and palaces in the fortress town of Mystras, a World Heritage–listed site, spill from a spur of the Taÿgetos Mountains 7km west of Sparta.

It’s among the most important historical sites in the Peloponnese. This is where the Byzantine Empire’s richly artistic and intellectual culture made its last stand before an invading Ottoman army, almost 1000 years after its foundation. The city was built on a mountain, it is quite a climb but with a magnificent view.

Mystras is a two hour drive from Methoni, direction Kalamata, close to Sparta. We recall it here because we found it a very special place to visit. If you find it too far a way for a day visit, it might be a nice stop-over on your way to Athens.