Monemvasia Architecture

The beautiful Medieval town of Monemvasia in Greece is a characteristic example of a unique architecture that was founded by the Greeks and transformed by the Venetians with historic stone built mansions, several fortresses, and the remaining walls. The entire town lies behind the castle walls full of historical monuments. The houses in the old town are still inhabited to this day while at the top of the rock rises an entire city that remains abandoned for centuries when the locals decided to move to the Lower town and build their houses there. All of them have two floors, a basement, and a balcony. The structure of the third floor usually was an indication of how the wealthy was the family.

Due to its strong fortifications, the Byzantine town is divided into two parts (Upper and lower part) built on different levels. In the Upper town which remains uninhabited to this day, there are relics from Byzantine and post-Byzantine years while in the lower part, of great interest are the Byzantine churches like the church of Elkomenos Christos, the cathedral of the town dating from the 13th century and Agia Sofia.

A walk around the cobblestone paths of the city and its long pedestrians reveals some amazing stone built houses with arched passages and vaulted rooms. The modern city offers a wide collection of establishments with a view to the Byzantine fortresses and the surrounding landscape that has inspired many poets and writers.

The architecture of Monemvasia presents beautiful sublime structures which can be seen in every little corner around the castle and a selection of the last remaining churches with wonderful wall-frescoes and precious icons. Some of them combine both Venetian and Byzantine characteristics such as Agios Nikolaos and Panagia Myrtidiotissa. The importance of its beautiful layout, the romantic atmosphere and the smell of the blue sea reveal the brilliance of Monemvasia which is a perfect sightseeing itself and an integral part of Greek history.

Visitors can enjoy their stay in many of the traditional hotels that have respected the traditional architecture.