Why Visit
This town was constructed invisible from the mainland to avoid enemy attacks. It can be seen only from the sea and only a narrow pathway connects it to the mainland. This is how its name came out, meaning single passage. A walk around the paved streets of the castle town is like a trip back in time. See the elegant stone mansions and the Byzantine churches, such as the church of Agia Sofia and of Christ Elkomenos. Do not also miss the breathtaking sea view from the top of the Castle.
History
The history of the town of Monemvasia starts with its name, as the words it derives from moni and emvasis, which means single passage. The name comes from the Venetians who saw that the only passage to the Castle Town of Monemvasia was through a paved walkway that they built. Before this walkway was constructed, the only way to go to the town was by boat.
The Castle Town of Monemvasia was constructed in the Medieval Times. From that moment on, the richhistory of Monemvasia has been full of prosperity and glory, as well as declination and invasions. From the 10th century it started to develop in economical terms, becoming an important trade and maritime centre. Then, the city bravely resisted the Norman and Arab invasions in the mid 12th century.
However, this was followed by another effort of invasion by William Villehardouin. Unfortunately, this time the town was defeated in 1249, due to the hunger caused by the three-year siege. Ten years after this, Michael Paleologus imprisoned Villehardouin, who recovered his freedom by taking the side of the Byzantine rule, helping them to regain the fortresses of Monemvasia, Mystras and Mani.
This Byzantine rule benefited the development of Monemvasia in the economical, cultural, and military field. However, this gradual progress attracted the pirates causing the famous raid by the Catalans in 1292. The efforts of keeping the pirates away brought inhabitants in touch with naval resources in terms of warfare. In 1419, the Venetian invasions caused the decline of the Byznatine Empire. In 1460, Mystras was being ruled by the Ottomans, leaving Monemvasia as the only city that kept its autonomy. In the middle 15th century, the Venetians recaptured Monemvasia as it was considered a strategic point in the Aegean Sea.
Eventually, Monemvasia was sold to the Ottomans in 1715. Around 1770, when the Russian-Turkish War occurred, Monemvasia started to fall apart economically. Monemvasia was finally liberated on July 23rd 1821 and became part of the first Greek State.
Museums - Archeological
In the beautiful town of Monemvasia you can see a great number of ancient monuments scattered around the area. Peloponnese narrates silently its glorious historical past of many invasions and wars, culture and tradition. The fortified town of Monemvasia opens a window to its interesting Medieval history of Peloponnese.
Right opposite the church of Christ lies the 16th century Turkish Mosque which today accommodates the Archaeological Collection of Monemvasia. The exhibits displayed witness the long history of the Castle Town and include parts of fortresses and many ceramic objects, sculptures and marble statues from the excavations that took place in the surrounded regions. This is the only museum that you can visit in Monemvasia.
Beaches
Mandraki beach, Pera Kakavos beach, Pori Monemvasias, Xifias
Religious Monasteries and Churches
The byzantine town of Monemvasia exhibits numerous historic churches and monasteries found at the castle town and the wider region visited by thousands of people every year. The whole area is a sightseeing itself with ancient treasures that no one should miss. Among the well-preserved churches found in the town, Agia Sofia is the only construction in the upper town that remains in superb condition. From there the view is just breathtaking and when the weather is clear you can even see the mountains of Crete. It was built in the 12th century.
The Church of Christ Elkomenos is the cathedral of Monemvasia founded in 13th century by the Emperor Andronicus. It hosts four rare Byzantine icons and two marble thrones. It is strongly influenced from the Venetian architecture and offers a splendid view to the sea. In the middle of the impressive square of Chrysafitissa lies the church of Panagia Chrysafitissa dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was built during the Turkish occupation. Celebrations are held at the church. Churches that combine Venetian and Byzantine elements are Agios Nikolaos, Panagia Myrtidiotissa, Agios Dimitrios and Agios Andreas.
