Monemvasia - Monemvasia

Monemvasia (Greek: Μονεμβασία) or Monemvassia is a small town on a 300 m high cliff on the east coast of Laconia. The name is derived from moni emvasia, in German: only access. The place was and is only accessible via a dam, the only difference: the earlier drawbridge was replaced by a solid structure, the dam was fortified and is accessible by motor vehicle. However, there is only one access left: a narrow gate allows passage to the city.

background

history

The first settlements of Monemvasia go back to Mycenaean times. A strong city had existed since 583 AD, it was built by the Byzantines to protect against invading Slavs. The city on the rock could not be captured by the crusaders until 1249 after several years of siege, and in 1263 it was returned to Byzantium. After the conquest of Constantinople and the collapse of the Byzantine Empire, Monemvasia was able to hold out for some time through protective alliances, but in 1540 the city came under Turkish rule. From 1690 to 1715 it belonged again to Venice, then again to the Ottoman Empire. Monemvasia has belonged to Greece since the liberation of the "sacred rock of the Byzantine Empire" in 1821.

Monemvasia had over 15,000 inhabitants during its heyday, at that time it was primarily a trading town. Among other things, it was named after the city Malvasia traded, a wine probably originating from Asia Minor, the vines of which are still cultivated in various variations in southern countries today. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Malvasia was an insignificant place with only a few inhabitants. It is now considered chic to own an apartment here, and Monemvasia today has over 5,000 inhabitants again. However, only the smaller part lives on the old rock in the district Kastro (Fortress town), the new town on the bank Gefyra (Bridge) offers more living comfort.

More than 20,000 people live in the entire municipality of Monemvasia, and it extends over almost the entire eastern peninsula of Laconia. The administrative seat is in Molaoi.

getting there

By plane

In the street

Monemvasia can only be reached from Sparta via very scenic, but often very winding roads.

By boat

mobility

From the new place Gefyra to the old one Kastro a 1.5 km long road leads over a dam and then along the rock. Although it is well developed, it should be enjoyed with caution: at its end there is only a small gate for pedestrians, in front of it there are a few parking spaces, and turning can be problematic. In the old town of Monemvasia you can walk anyway.

, A certain surefootedness is required for side streets, stairs have irregular steps and probably never have a handrail.

Tourist Attractions

Old town (Kastro)

• First you get to the Lower town, once residential district of the simpler people. It is relatively well preserved; many buildings have been extensively restored in recent years. The narrow main street is a string of cafes, restaurants, small hotels, shops, churches and exclusive old-style houses. Again and again there are picturesque views of narrow side streets, often only accessible via narrow stairs, which, despite their irregular steps, probably never had a railing. Worth mentioning: a small museum on Tzami Square in the former mosque and the city wall along the coast. Of the once 40 churches from Byzantine times, only a few have survived, but unfortunately they are often closed.
• the Upper Town, once the residence of the upper class. It can be reached via steep paths and stairs, and it was only accessible through a gate. Most of the buildings, however, have crumbled. The well-preserved Byzantine church is also worth seeing Agia Sofia, it is also usually locked. But you have a great view

Gefyra

The new place offers a number of restaurants, hotels and shops, but apart from the view of the rock, only a few things worth seeing.

activities

shop

kitchen

nightlife

accommodation

In the dwellings of the old town there are numerous smaller hotels, mostly renovated with care and style. What has remained is often the narrow access and the low room height for today's Central Europeans.

health

Practical advice

trips

literature

Web links

• Monemvasia online also with a German side