Peloponnese – Greek Diaspora Travel
Mystras Greece
Mystras Greece
Mystras is an archaeological site in Greece, located near Sparta on the Peloponnese peninsular. Affectionately referred to as the ‘wonder of Morea’, Mystras is scattered with Greek Orthodox churches from the Byzantine period, a castle, the Palace of Despots and other medieval ruins.
History of Mystras, Greece
Situated on Mt. Taygetos, the castle town of Mystras in Greece was established in the 13th century by the Frankish prince William de Villehardouin. In 1259, the Byzantine Greeks recaptured the area and the town served as the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of Morea in the 14th and 15th centuries. In fact, Mystras was the second most important town after Constantinople in the Byzantine Empire during this period. Later, under occupation by the Ottomans and Venetians, the town was often mistaken for ancient Sparta. In the 1830s, Mystras was abandoned and the modern city of Sparta was built approximately eight kilometres to the east.
Diaspora Travel to Mystras, Greece
If you are a member of the Greek diaspora travelling through the Peloponnese, you must add the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystras to your travel itinerary. If you have traced your ancestry to Sparta or any other town in Laconia, you will likely have a connection to the old town of Mystras. Or you can just go there for the view… which overlooks Sparta.
At the foot of the hill, approximately 1km below the old town of Mystras, a new village has been constructed. This is where you will find the most suitable accommodation if you decide to stay there. Alternatively, you can combine your visit to Mystras with trips to nearby Sparta, Kalamata, Gythio, and Monemvasia (another renowned castle town).
Hot tip: Mystras is approximately 310m above sea level and can get quiet hot during the Greek summer, so we would advise that you arrive there early in the morning. The site opens at 8am.
Mystras has many trekking paths that lead to beautiful viewing points. Make sure you also walk inside some of the churches, as their internal walls are filled with impressive Byzantine frescoes.
Are you planning a trip to the Peloponnese in Greece? Check out the link below to book in your stay at Mystras or the nearest city of Sparta (Sparti).