Monemvasia
Car Free Byzantine And Venetian Walled Town On A Sea Rock Reached By A Single Causeway, With The Ruined Upper Town And The Church Of Agia Sofia On The Summit · Monemvasia, Peloponnese
Monemvasia is a walled medieval town hidden on the seaward side of a great rock off the south-east coast of the Peloponnese, joined to the mainland village of Gefyra by a single causeway. Its name is usually explained as moni emvasis, the single entrance, and that is still how you arrive: through one gate in the western wall, into a car-free Lower Town of cobbled lanes, restored stone houses, Byzantine churches and sea walls. Above it, reached by a steep zig-zag path, lie the ruins of the Upper Town and the church of Agia Sofia on the edge of the cliff. Founded by Byzantines in the early Middle Ages, held in turn by Franks, Venetians and Ottomans, it grew rich on trade and gave its name, it is said, to malmsey, the sweet Malvasia wine. The poet Yannis Ritsos was born here. It suits couples, walkers and anyone who likes a place best in the evening, when day visitors leave. Honest caveats: it is about four hours from Athens, the town is small (one long street and its side lanes), the climb is hot and slippery, and holiday weekends are packed with Athenians.
Monemvasia rock off the south-east Peloponnese coast, Lakonia, joined by a causeway to Gefyra; the Lower Town entered by one gate, Monemvasia, Peloponnese, Greece
The Lower Town is a living village with no gate hours: you can walk in at any time, day or night, and entry is free. The path to the Upper Town and Agia Sofia has generally been free but opens through a gate in daytime only, and it has been closed at times for restoration or after rockfalls - confirm on the day. The small archaeological collection in the old mosque on the main square keeps state museum hours, longer in summer and shorter in winter, closed on the main public holidays. Cars stop outside the gate: park in Gefyra or at the limited car park along the causeway road, or use the seasonal shuttle minibus from Gefyra (confirm). Nothing needs booking except rooms inside the walls on summer, Easter and Christmas weekends.