Mystras, a World Heritage Site in Lakonia, Greece, is the best preserved example of medieval walled city in the Greek region. It fascinates the modern traveler with its castle, churches and the palatial complex of the ruling Byzantine dynasty, bearing witness to its bygone greatness.

Mystras is one of those destinations that can be visited all year round.

Enjoy the photos of Mystras, taken during GTP’s visit this year.

Photos by Maria Theofanopoulou ©

The palaces

The Despots’ palaces were built on a level expanse of the hill. Buildings for various uses form a large complex dominated by the throne room.  (early 15th c.)

Palace Complex

The Palaces – The Despot’s Palace

Pantanassa

Built in 1428 by Ioannis Phrangopoulos (high court official).   It is a masterful synthesis borrowing from Gothic art for its decoration. The ground floor frescos date to the 17th-18th c.

Pantanassa Monastery

Evangelistria

A small, elegant church with burial annexes to its south and west.  It preserves frescos probably dating to the late 14th or 15th c.

Evangelistria church

Ruins of the upper city

Ruins of the upper city

Middle city

Middle city

Saint Sophia (Agia Sofia)

This was the monastery’s cathedral church and it preserves in its sculptures the initials of its founder, the first Despot fo Mystras Manuel Kantakouzenos (1348-1380).  the monument scene of Christ is among its most impressive paintings.

Ag. Sophia

The city’s water supply

The city’s water supply

 Byzantine ruins

Byzantine ruins

The Metropolis of Mystras

Saint Demetrios – Agios Dimitrios, was most probably built after Mystras was turned over to the Byzantines (1262).  Its important frescos are characterized by a variety of styles, owing to the different periods when they were painted (late 13th – early 14th c.) and the varying expressive means employed by the painters who created them.

Metropolis of Mystras

Inside of Metropolis

Church Dome

Church Dome

 Gates

Gates

 Paths

Paths

Cobbled road

 Mystras Museum

The Museum displays works from the artistic production of the Despotate, as well as utilitarian objects which allow the exploration of aspects of the daily life of Mystras’ residents.  It also displays the diverse and two-way relationship that Byzantine developed with Western Europe during the final centuries of the empire.

Mystras Museum

Accommodation

If you are looking for places to stay, check  GTP accommodation for MYSTRAS

Things to do

Gone off-the-beaten track!

• Museums around
• Archaeological sites
• Alternative activities

You can also follow one of  Taygeto’s mountain paths.
At Hellaspath.gr you can find detailed routes with coordinates.

• Mystras-Taygetos (coddled road), 2,5 Km.
• Parori-Zagouna-Faneromeni (coddled road), 3,5 Km
• Faneromeni-Anavryti (path), 1,5 Km
• Ag. Ioannis-Anavryti (path), 3 Km
• Anavryti-Lakomata (path), 4,5 Km
• Diastavrosi-Livadi (path), 3 Km
• Pedestrianized street Sparta-Mystras castle
• Mystras-Vouvaloi area

Relaxing

Afterwards, enjoy a wonderful meal at CHROMATA restaurant and the view at Viel cafe-bistro at Pikoulianika.  Do not miss on your way back to pass by En Hatipi at Sparti for a delicious local dish!