Monemvasia Tours by local experts | Worth Living

Sightseeing in Monemvasia? It is worth seeing! It is worth living! Indulge yourself and your loved ones in the unique experience of becoming part of history. Learn from experienced local guides in a nutshell why Monemvasia is your new destination.

Don’t be a mere viewer, DISCOVER a great historic city. “Listen to” the sound of horses and “smell” the smoke of the gunpowder emitting from the canons of pirate ships. LIVE THE HISTORY of Byzantium. Learn about the history of Byzantium, the Ottoman occupation and what led the Greeks to the Greek War of Independence.

A unique trip in the Greek countryside away from the big urban areas of the country. Experience the Greek civilization and roam in a place-symbol.

It is worth staying, walking and seeing the old town with the cobbled alleys, the old fortress, public buildings, temples etc. The archeological collection (exposition) presents artifacts and relics of that era. Activities which are appropriate for the area are hiking, mountain bike and swimming.

Do you want to live the experience? Do you want to be a sightseer of a great historic city? Do you want to feel the influence of Byzantium and Christianity?

Monemvasia is a historic city built on a rock of an island. It was fortified with a castle where there were medieval houses, narrow alleys, Christian Byzantine churches and it had its own port. It is connected with the mainland through a bridge. It was established in the 6^th century by the residents of Ancient Sparta who moved there because of catastrophic raids by barbarians and they abandoned Sparta in distress and were barricaded from the surrounding area in Monemvasia.

However, artifacts suggest that Monemvasia was probably founded earlier. Perhaps during the reign of Ioustinianos who made headway reforming urban areas sending urban populations to new locations and changed the names of the cities. Artifacts discovered in the sea and historical reports show signs of inhabiting the area close to Monemvasia during ancient times.

Contrary to other settlements in the area of Peloponnese which declined in the 7^th century, Monemvasia due to its marital importance, advanced into a commercial and artistic center, one town with close relationship with Sicily. During the 11^th and 12^th centuries, Monemvasia had impressive financial growth. During that era, the settlement spread onto the whole rock and not only on the invisible side where important monuments were built.

The prosperity of the town was rapid: besides the increase of population, the main advance was commerce and shipping and the conditions for a spiritual and ecclesiastical growth were developed at a rapid rate. The era until 1460 is considered the ‘golden age’ of the town. Its location was of strategic importance for Byzantium and the vital position of Monemvasia in the sea ways of the Mediterranean Sea became a target for Arabic and Latin pirates who played a role in the development of history. There were also internal conflicts during its golden age. The occupation of Constantinople by the Turks and the decline of Byzantium started the decline of the town. There were a few periods of recovery when it was occupied by warriors from other areas of Peloponnese. Most of its residents abandoned the town and turned to the Venetian islands mainly to Corfu and Crete. Others were captured or killed and most of the houses were destroyed.

The residents of Monemvasia either moved to Athens or the surrounding area and sold their houses to people who visited Monemvasia and restored them resulting in a new growth this time as rare touristic destination that offers a pleasant stay.

Every traveler deserves at least once in a lifetime to come to Monemvasia. It can be YOU!

“MY GREECE TOURS” employs specialized professional drivers, guides and licensed guides who convert sightseeing into an unforgettable experience. They skillfully succeed in realizing sightseeing in day depending on the place of pick up or drop off. Usually, two days are needed and it can be combined with other destinations. During this time, we put every possible effort to feel the aura of Monemvasia. Ideally Monemvasia can be combined with other destinations in Peloponnese peninsula so that you can live a unique experience. In any case, the necessary elements are comfortable outfit, a camera and good mood.

Tailor-Made tour

The tour is tailor-made and according to your needs based on the place and time of pick up as well as your interest in the places to visit. Sightseeing in Monemvasia could be included as part of a two or three-day excursion in Peloponnese peninsula in order to visit the famous city of Sparta and the gorgeous Castletown Mystras. Also, there are many interest traditional villages on the mountains like as Dimitsana, Vitina, Lagadia. They are top winter destinations in Greece by the locals.

Included

Professional English-speaking local driver / guide
Vehicle according to the number of the passengers as SEDAN or SUV, MINIVAN, MINIBUS.
Our driver / guide will support you to obtain the tickets during the Monemvasia tour.
Time for lunch or early dinner in a local traditional Greek tavern with delicious “mezes”

Not included

Admission to museums, archaeological sites and monasteries
Food or drinks

Extra Service

Professional Licensed Tour Guide, expert on the local history, culture and Greek orthodox religion, will accompany you if you want to visit sites and the museums.