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We stopped off to visit Mystras on our drive from Nafplio to Monemvasia. See my blogs Nafplio, Greece: Travel Guide and Monemvasia, Greece: Travel Guide.
Contents
1. Brief History of Mystras
Mystras was founded in the 13th century by the Franks who established a fortress on top of the hill. They were expelled from the Peloponnese in 1262 by the Byzantine Emperor who incorporated Mystras into the Byzantine Empire.
Mystras soon became a thriving centre of art, culture and intellectual pursuits. Magnificent palaces, churches and monasteries were constructed, including the Palace of the Despots, the Church of Agios Demetrios and the Pantanassa Monastery
In 1460, the Ottomans captured Mystras, marking the end of Byzantine rule in the Peloponnese. They occupied Mystras until 1821, except for a short period of Venetian control from 1687 to 1715.
In 1770 Mystras joined a Peloponnese uprising against the Ottomans. It was suppressed by the Ottoman Albanians and Mystras was left in ruins.
The final blow for Mystras came in 1823 when the Egyptians, who were aiding the Ottomans during the Greek War of Independence, massacred the local population and destroyed the town. In 1831 the town was rebuilt 9 km away and named Sparti.
2. Parking & Toilets at Mystras
There is parking along the road at both the lower and upper entrances at Mystras. There are only toilets at the lower entrance gate.
3. Opening Hours at Mystras
Winter:
08:30-15:30
Summer:
01/04-31/08: 08:00-20:00
01-15/09: 08:00-19:30
16-30/09: 08:00-19:00
01-15/10: 08:00-18:30
16-31/10: 08:00-18:00
Holidays
1 January
25 March
1 May
Easter Sunday
25 December
26 December
4. Tickets for Mystras
Cost
Tickets cost Eur 12.
Free Admission
There is free admission to Mystras for children up to the age of 5, under 25's and students. The latter 2 categories must provide documentary proof that they reside in the EU.
Admission to Mystras is free for everyone on the following days:
6 March
18 April
18 May
The last weekend of September
28 October
Every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st
Reduced Admission
From 1st of April to 31st of October the admission cost for Mystras is reduced by 50% for:
Senior citizens over 65 with documentary proof of residence in EU member-states and the European Economic Area.
Young people, between the ages of 6 and 25 years, who are from non-European Union countries. Documentary proof of age must be provided.
5. Finding your Way around Mystras
You can start at either the lower or upper entrance of Mystras and it is best to follow a circular route.
Some people struggle with the paths which are rocky and steep in places. It is worse in the summer heat. Some visitors therefore park at the lower gate to see the lower site and then drive up to the upper gate to see the remainder of Mystras, or vice versa. Tickets for Mystras are valid at both entrances. People with mobility issues often skip seeing the citadel.
Tour groups usually start at Mystra's upper site and walk down to the lower site where they are met by their tour bus.
Good shoes are advisable. It is a good idea to bring a site map and water in the summer.
6. What to See at Mystras
It is really worth visiting Mystras and the site can be seen in about 3 hours.
The surviving buildings are mainly churches and monasteries. There is also a castle and a large palace that has been closed for renovations for over 20 years. All the other buildings are in ruins.
Metropolis of Mystras
The Metropolis of Mystras is located near the lower entrance and it dates back to the late 13th century. There is a museum that exhibits sculptures, holy icons, byzantine objects and fragments from some of the other churches.
Peribleptos Monastery
This Byzantine church is slightly off the main circuit for Mystras and as a result it doesn't attract many visitors. It has some very attractive frescoes and is well worth seeing.
Church of Agios Dimitrios
This church was built in 1292 and it is the oldest church in Mystras.
The Pantanassa Monastery
The nuns at Pantanassa monastery are the only remaining residents of Mystras. The other residents were moved out in 1952.
The church was built in 1428 and is the finest surviving church in Mystras. It has some excellent frescoes.
The Despots' Palace
The Despot's Palace is the main surviving building in Mystras and it was built in the late 14th century. It has now been closed for renovation for at least 20 years. The 2004 edition of the Rough Guide stated that it was "currently closed for extensive rebuilding and restoration that looks set to continue for a number of years ahead".
I doubt they thought it would be closed for quite so long! It should be the main attraction at Mystras once it is reopened.
Church of Agia Sophia
Agia Sophia Church was built in the mid-14th century. The Ottomans used it as a mosque.
Mystras Castle
You can wander around the ruins of Mystras Castle and there are good views.
Church of Agioi Theodoroi
The Church of Agioi Theodoroi is the oldest and largest chapel in Mystras. The church was constructed between 1290 and 1295.
Church of the Hodegetria
The 14th century Church of the Hodegetria was part of the Brontochion Monastery. During the Ottoman period it was converted into a mosque.
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