Monemvasia is on a small peninsula off the Peloponnesian east coast. It belongs to the prefecture of Laconia, and it is actually a medieval fortress with a town next to it.
The attraction of this location lies on its interesting ruins, which include not only this defensive structure, but also the many Byzantine churches of the adjacent town –there is a total of 40, scattered along the narrow streets.
Regarding the name Monemvasia, in Greek the word ‘mone’ means ‘single’, while ‘embassia’ –with two ‘s’- means ‘entrance’. However, it is also known as Malvasia, the Gibraltar of the East, and The Rock. |
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This last one is due to the features of its location, as it is built on a rock of 300 m height and 1.8 km long, occupying a steep, rocky islet connected to the coast of Laconia by a low bridge.
Apart from the beauty of the city, the rock itself is also very picturesque, with colours ranging between grey and pink tones.
On the south-eastern side of this rock, the village is established, overlooking Palaia Monemvasia bay.
Right in the edge of the bay, next to the castle's entrance , there is a cemetery where the grave of Giannis Ritsos, a famous Greek
poet, lies. |
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North-west, there is a small hamlet with no more than 10 houses, while on the north, the mentioned fortress is found. The north-west, as well as the top, are covered by a field of grass.
Getting to the top can be an interesting stroll in the zig-zagging pathway.
In addition, this is where it lays the plateau, and apart from the ruins of the fortified town, it is also the residence of the Venetian Govemor, and there are ancient walls, guardhouses, towers, and large water cistems.
Regarding the eastern tip of the rock, this is where the church of Agia Sofia is found. This octagonal 12th century church is the main monument of Monemvasia, and its charm and magnificence remain untouched.
Apart from the fortress, there is an area called "Nea Monemvasia". It is located at a distance of about 1 km away from the fortress-town, providing all the necessary facilities of a modern tourist town, which makes it a very popular destination among tourists.
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