EXCURSIONS
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The Mani with the caves of Diros
Mani is the peninsula of Lakonia extending as far as Cape Teinaro. Its terrain impresses the visitor with its wild nature, steep mountains, inaccesible beaches and sparse vegitation. Its sites are superb. It is considered as an immense museum, as each corner of it reminds people of its past glory. Its inhabitants still preserve the pride of their ancestors. They relate themselves to the area's stony ground as the salt of the sea and the sun while their posture resembles that of historical figures, that have survived through the years. Both along the coast and on the mountains you come across traditional villages, 800 towers - a unique expression of folk architecture -, Byzantine churches, castles, ancient towns. Everywhere these cultural riches are combined with wild natural beauty, especially at "Mesa (Inner) Mani" and along the western part of the peninsula, as you move towards the south, from the Diros Tower to the bay of Mezapos, from Nomia, Koita and Bouliarous to Gerolimenas and Vathia. Pirgos Dirou with its renowned caves and Passava's fortress are worth visiting. The caves of Vlihada, Alepotripa and Katafigi attract many visitors and archaeologists. Vlihada is one of the most beautiful lacustrine caves. Alepotripa is not yet open to the public, but the important archaelogical findings discovered here and dating from neolithic times are displayed at the Neolithic Museum, next to the cave's entrance (information: 27330-52223). Related links: Related videos: |
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MISTRAS
At the centre of the Evrotas valley, located on the banks of the mythical river below Mt. Taygetos, lies Sparta, and 5 km to its north-west Mistras. The entire Byzantine city of Mistras is essentially an open-air museum, evidence of a glorious era. The fortress, the palaces and chuches, the fortifications and the gates, the mansions and houses, the streets and the fountains, all constitute a record of the unique history of the seat of the Seigniory of Moreas. In the Ano Hora, the Palaces of the Despots (Seignieurs) form an impressive complex of buildings constructed at different times. All, from the Mansion of the Katakouzini to the Palace of the Paleologi, have been renovated and have had their old glamour restored. The pride of Mistras' Byzantine heritage are its churches, with their unique architecture and wall-paintings. Of special interest are Agios Dimitrios, the Cathedral (Metropolis) next to the Byzantine Museum of Mistras, Evangelistria, Agioi Theodori, Panagia Odigitria (or Afentiko), Perivleptos, Pantanassa and Agia Sofia. Related video: At the Mystras Fair |
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MONEMVASIA
The rock of Monemvassia, towering 300 m, above the eastern coast of Laconia, is an unforgettable site. The medieval, Byzantine and Venetian city is still very much alive on the south-eastern part, looking to the sea. At the top of the rock lies the old, now abandoned city. A low bridge connects the rock with the coast. The "sole entry" (moni emvasis, in Greek) gave the city its name. The first Laconians passed through here in the 6th century BC, seeking a place of refuge. There followed a thousand years of prosperity and glory. Time has stopped in Monemvassia. There are magical walks through the busy highstreet, the cobblestone alleys, the mansions, the Byzantine churches, the terraced houses, the low arches, staircases and ramparts. The permanent residents are not many now, but there are thousands of visitors, since Monemvassia provides tourist facilities. The 5th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities has reconstructed the demolished parts of walls in the Upper Town and has restored the church and the wall paintings of Agia Sophia. In the Lower Town , the sea wall has been rebuilt, the Moslem Mosque has been restored, the east and west bastion of the fortification wall have been consolidated, and many of the churches have been repaired and restored. Related video: At Monemvasia's Castle |
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THE ISLAND KYTHIRA
There is also a possibility to visit the island Kythira by ship, starting in Gythio. More about the island here www.kythera-island.net Related links: www.kythera-island.net www.kythira.info www.kythira.com Ferries from Gythio to Kythira Accommodations in Kythira Video: In Kapsali on Kithira |
