Monemvasia is a town and municipality in Laconia, Greece, that is located on a tied island off the east coast of the Peloponnese. The island is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, and its name means “single entrance” in Greek. Monemvasia is a place of rich history and culture, dating back to the 6th century AD, when it was founded by the Byzantines as a fortified town and a strategic port. Monemvasia has witnessed many invasions, sieges, battles, and changes of rulers over the centuries, from the Normans and the Venetians to the Ottomans and the Greeks. It has also been a center of trade, commerce, art, and education, producing many famous residents who left their mark on the history of Greece and beyond. In this blog post, we will explore how to learn about the history and culture of Monemvasia and its famous residents, by visiting some of the most important sites and monuments on the island.
The Castle Town
The Castle Town is the old medieval town of Monemvasia, which is situated on a plateau at the top of the island. It is surrounded by walls that date back to the Byzantine era, and it has preserved its original layout and architecture. The Castle Town is divided into two parts: the lower town and the upper town. The lower town is where most of the inhabitants lived and worked, and it contains many churches, mansions, shops, and public buildings. The upper town is where the citadel was located, and it was reserved for the nobility and the clergy. The upper town also has a church dedicated to Agia Sofia, which was built in the 12th century and offers a stunning view of the sea.
To visit the Castle Town, you need to enter through the only gate that connects it to the mainland. You can walk along the cobbled streets and alleys, admire the stone houses with their arched windows and wooden balconies, and explore the various monuments that testify to the different periods and cultures that influenced Monemvasia. Some of the most notable monuments are:
- The Church of Elkomenos Christos, which was built in the 13th century and served as the cathedral of Monemvasia. It has a beautiful mosaic floor and frescoes from different eras.
- The Archaeological Museum, which is housed in a former mosque that was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. It displays artifacts from various excavations on the island, ranging from prehistoric times to modern times.
- The House of Veniamin Lesvios, which was built in the 18th century and belonged to one of the most prominent families of Monemvasia. It is now a museum that showcases the traditional life and culture of Monemvasia.
- The House of Yiannis Ritsos, which was built in the 19th century and belonged to one of the most famous poets of Greece. Yiannis Ritsos was born in Monemvasia in 1909 and spent his childhood there. He wrote many poems inspired by his hometown, such as “Monovasia” and “Romiosini”. His house is now a cultural center that hosts exhibitions and events.
The New Town
The New Town is the modern part of Monemvasia, which is located at the foot of the island, near the causeway. It was developed in the 18th century, when Monemvasia regained its economic prosperity after a period of decline under Ottoman rule. The New Town has a more cosmopolitan character than
the Castle Town, and it offers many amenities and services for visitors. You can find hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, banks, pharmacies, and other facilities in the New Town. You can also enjoy some activities such as swimming at one of
the beaches nearby or hiking on one of
the trails that lead to different parts
of
the island.
The New Town also has some attractions that are worth visiting,
such as:
- The Lighthouse,
which was built in 1896
and stands at
the tip
of
the causeway.
It is one
of
the oldest lighthouses in Greece
and it offers a panoramic view
of
the sea
and
the Castle Town. - The Bridge,
which was built in 1971
and connects Monemvasia
to
the mainland.
It is a modern engineering feat
that spans 400 meters (1,
300 feet)
and allows vehicles
and pedestrians
to cross over
the sea. - The Statue
of
Yiannis Ritsos,
which was erected in 2009
in honor
of
the poet’s centenary.
It is located in the main square
of
the New Town
and depicts Ritsos holding a book
and looking towards his birthplace.
The Famous Residents
Monemvasia has been the home of many famous residents who have contributed to the history and culture of Greece and beyond. Some of them are:
- Constantine XI Palaiologos,
who was the last Byzantine emperor
and the defender of Constantinople against the Ottoman siege in 1453.
He was born in Monemvasia in 1404
and spent his early years there.
He is considered a national hero
and a symbol of resistance by the Greeks. - Loukas Notaras,
who was the last megas doux (grand admiral)
of
the Byzantine navy
and a close associate of Constantine XI.
He was also born in Monemvasia in 1402
and participated in the defense of Constantinople.
He was executed by the Ottomans after the fall of the city. - Nikephoros II Phokas,
who was a Byzantine emperor
and a successful military leader.
He was born in Monemvasia in 912
and rose to fame for his campaigns against the Arabs and the Bulgarians.
He became emperor in 963
and reformed the army and the administration.
He was assassinated by his wife and her lover in 969. - Zoe Karbonopsina,
who was a Byzantine empress
and the mother of Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus.
She was born in Monemvasia in 885
and married Leo VI the Wise, who was already married three times before.
She gave birth to Constantine, who was the only legitimate heir to the throne.
She ruled as regent for her son until 914
and played a key role in securing his succession. - Georgios Gemistos Plethon,
who was a philosopher, scholar, and humanist.
He was born in Monemvasia in 1355
and studied in Constantinople and Italy.
He was one of the pioneers of the revival of Greek learning and culture in the West, and he influenced many Renaissance thinkers such as Marsilio Ficino and Giovanni Pico della Mirandola.
He died in Mistra in 1452.
Monemvasia is a place that offers a unique experience for anyone who wants to learn about the history and culture of Greece and its famous residents. By visiting its sites and monuments, you can travel back in time and immerse yourself in a medieval atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere. Monemvasia is a place that will enchant you with its beauty, charm, and mystery..
