The Amazing Medievel Fortress of Monemvassia

Visiting this picturesque fortress takes you back to the time of the middle ages. As the famous Greek poet, Yannis Ristos described, this “Stone Ship about to set sail” will charm you with its natural beauty and vast history.  

But wait! Look again… you don’t see a Medieval village do you? That’s because it was constructed on the backside of the imposing rock so it was invisible to enemies.

Now let’s take a look on the other side of the island …

Named by the Venetians as the “Gibraltar of the East”, this hidden gem is a must stop in your travels to the Peloponnese. Ideal for a honeymoon or romantic getaway combined with a visit to the Byzantine ruins of Mistras.

History:

Founded in the sixth century by the Byzantines who were seeking refuge from the Slavic and the Avaric invasions of Greece. The great walls protected them from the Crusaders, followed by the Venetians, and the Ottomans. Monamvassia was finally liberated from the Turks in1821.

Located in the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese, this citadel town was built on the backside of a huge rock. The reasoning was to avoid enemy attacks as it was not visible from the mainland and accessible only by boat.

There is only one entry point to the citadel, hence the name Monemvassia which in Greek means “single entrance”.  Its total area is 300 meters wide and 1 kilometer long.

In recent years a new town has been erected on the mainland adjacent to the rock and a bridge built to connect the two. The “rock” is split into the” lower” and “upper” towns:

The Lower town:

Walking around the cobblestone streets is like a trip back in time.

Admire the Byzantine church of Christ Elkomenos in the central square which displays an enormous icon of the Crucifixion dating back to the Palaeologan Renaissance. You will also see the Muslim Mosque in which the beautifully preserved Archaeological Museum is housed.

Marvel at the elegant stone mansions with arched doorways and vaulted alleyways.  Many of which have been converted into beautiful hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and shops.

The Upper Town:

Ascent the steep twisty paths to the Upper Town to witness the ruins of Venetian mansions.

You will also admire the octagonal dome of the Byzantine church of Agia Sofia, which is literally “hanging” off the cliff.

From the Fortress of Goulas you can take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Myrtoan Sea.

Other sights to see or do:

• Explore the fortress from underwater at the Portelo entrance for an unforgettable experience.

• Visit the Reihia and Velies Folklore museums.

• Admire the imposing lighthouse built in 1896 by the British which sits on a slab of rock rising hundreds of meters from the sea. https://greekreporter.com/2022/06/28/monemvasia-greece-castle-town/

• See the grave of Yannis Ritsos, famous Greek poet.

Accommodations:

Many of the mansions have been converted to luxury boutique hotels and suites with their very own mosaic floors, vaulted ceilings, Turkish baths and flowering courtyards. Please see below my recommendations:

1. Moni Emvasis **** Luxury suites located in the heart of the citadel.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/moni-emvasis.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

2. Liotrivi **** The former mansion of famous poet Yannis Ritsos.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/to-liotrivi.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

3. Kinsterna**** Beautifully restored mansion and grounds on the mainland about 10 km north of Monemvassia “Rock” https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/kinsterna-spa.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

4. Alkinoi Resort & Spa **** – On the mainland overlooking the Monemvasia “rock”

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/alkinoi-resort-and-spa.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

5. Sempre Viva Suites **** – On the mainland overlooking the Monemvasia “rock”

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/sempre-viva-suites.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

6. Ardamis Traditional Guesthouse **** Located in the Monemvasia castle and what was once the former Governor’s house during Venetian rule.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/ardamis.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

7. Byzantino Boutique Hotel*** Housed inside the Monemvasia castle.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/byzantino-monemvasia.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

8. Kellia *** This building was historically referred to as a monks residence hence, the name which means “cellars”.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/kellia-castle-monemvasia.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Culinary delights:

• Don’t forget to try local specialties such as:
  • Saitia (fried pies filled with greens and cheese) and
  • Goges (local homemade pasta).
  • Sweet Malvasia wine.

Interesting links:

Booking.com