Monemvassia

Leaving our campsite we take the van back over the mountains through Komas.

 

 

We spent the night by the sea at Monemvassia bay.

 

 

Next morning we walked over the causeway to the Gibralter like rock where the 13th century fortified citadel of Monemvassia lies.

 

 

We enter through the western gate, that still has its iron studded doorway.

 

 

On entering through the gateway we came across the small walkways of the restored lower town.

 

The first square we arrived at is dominated by the church of Christos Elkomenos and its separate 13th century Venetian belfry.

 

We climbed up through the narrow streets to the walkway which links the lower town to the upper.

 

The upper town also has a protective walk and covered entrance.

 

Nearly all of the upper town is in ruins except for the 13th century church of Agia Sofia, a sixteen sided dome makes this church quite unique.

 

We head back down, taking in the views of the lower town which reminds us of Dubrovnik.

Stopped for a well earned refreshment overlooking the eastern walls.

 



 

On our way to the sea gate we passed through the square of Panagia Chrysafitissa, this church has no bell tower and the bell hangs from the tree outside.

 

This final gate is the old sea gate, one which would have been used frequently as this town had its own fleet that were used in trading and piracy along the sea routes between Italy and the Black Sea.