Monemvasia Overview

One of the most impressive places in all of Greece, visiting Monemvasia is like taking a trip back to the past. The Old Town is part of the medieval castle, built on the slopes of a massive rock that rises out of the sea, deriving its name from the Greek words “mone” and “emvasia” which mean “single entrance” It was referred to as the “Gibraltar of the East” by the Venetians and is virtual living museum of Venetian, Ottoman and Byzantine history. Many of the mansions in the Old Town were converted into shops, restaurants and boutique hotels. The Kastro, or castle, is divided into two parts, with the uninhabited upper part of town featuring a rocky path that winds to the Fortress of Youlas with its stunning city views. In the lower part, you’ll find historic ruins and a well-preserved 16^th-century building that houses the Archaeological Museum along with lovely Byzantine churches.

Monemvasia is a fabulous place to just get lost among the alleyways and cobblestone paths among the churches and impressive mansions, while being mesmerized by dazzling views of the Myrtoan Sea. In the early morning hours, watch the horses transporting supplies – unlike many other archaeological sites around the country, the magical experience can be continued after dark by popping into tavernas that serve local Malvazia wine and enjoying moonlit strolls.

Monemvasia History in a Nutshell

Monemvasia’s history began with an earthquake in the 4^th century when it was separated from the mainland. It was later linked to the mainland by a short causeway. The town was founded a couple of hundred years later, when Laconean refugees arrived to escape the Slavic invasion of Greece. These early settlers were followed by the Byzantines, Franks, Venetians and Ottomans, and today, the area still remains a confluence of cultures. The town’s strategic position on the Mediterranean’s main maritime routes made it an important commercial maritime center, with the 11^th and 12^th centuries especially prosperous. It was a center for commercial activity during the last Byzantine period, but evolving conditions ultimately led to its decline. Byzantine rule had benefited Monemvasia’s development, culturally and economically, but that also attracted pirates, resulting in the famous 1292 raid by the Catalans. The Venetian invasions in the early 15^th century led to the decline of the Byzantine Empire. Mystras was dominated by the Ottomans in the mid-15^th century, leaving Monemvasia as the only town that retained its autonomy, but the Venetians recaptured it due to its strategic sea location.

Monemvasia exchanged hands several times between the Venetians and Ottomans before becoming the first city to be liberated during the Greek War of Independence, on July 23, 1821. Its favorable location came to an end in the late 19^th-century when the Corinth channel opened, significantly reducing maritime traffic.