Mystras

Close to our campsite is the fortified citadel and town of Mystras
 

 

This place was a very important city originally founded by the Franks in 1249 but soon taken over by the Byzantines with a population of 20,000.  Today it is in ruins but many of the Byzantine churches remain.

 

 

We enter by the lower town entrance and climb up along the cobbled streets to the first church.

 

The Mitropoli is the oldest church in Mystras and has a double courtyard.  It was build in1291.

 

Inside are 14th century frescoes and on the floor is a plaque showing a double eagle.  This plaque marks the spot where the last Byzantine emperor, Konstaninos Palaiologos was crowned in 1449

 

Further along the site we reach the monastery complex called Vrontochion.  In this complex are two churches.  Agioi Theodoroi with the largest dome in Mystras,

 

and the 14th century Afentiko.

 

From the lower town we climb up to the Monemvassia gate which links the city to the upper town and the Despots Palace.

 

This palace is being reconstructed.

 

The last church before reaching the fortress top is Agios Sofia.

 

 

We then climb up the steep path to the Frankish castle, built in 1249.

 

The best known church for it's frescoes is the Moni Pantanassas, seen here from a distance.

 

 

 

The last major church of this complex is the Moni Perivleptou.  This is set into the rock face and again has some wonderful frescoes.

 

The day lived up to our expectations of this great ancient site.