"Mistras, a byzantine ghost town" Top 5 Page for this destination Mistras by SirRichard

Mistras Travel Guide: 51 reviews and 74 photos

On top of Taigetos mountain, just 5 km from Sparta,stands Mistras, an old byzantine city spreading over a hill.
It was the capital of Byzantine and Medieval Mystras. Was built by William II of Villehardouin in 1249, in the attempt of the Franks to establish their supremacy over the Peloponnese.
One of the most beautiful castles and ruins of Greece (4 me).

Where is it?

Mistras location

Mistras is located in the middle of the southern part of the Peloponnese peninsula.

Up from the hill

Mistras is a site to be seen from upside down. It has 2 gates. The best is to enter by the upper and leave by the lowest. It takes 2-3 hours for a complete visit.
The hill is some 30 minutes away from Sparta (you can see the city at the background in the pic). There's a bus going there.

Last visit to Mistras: Aug 2002
Intro Updated Feb 7, 2003
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Reviews (5)

Read the signs Favorites (4)

All along the paved roads you will find these useful signs (at right in the pic) written in greek & english, telling you... more travel advice

Cliffs and mountains around Transportation (1)

I arrived in Sparta coming from the west (Pilos). This road passes by some fabulous mountains, alpine landscapes, woods... more travel advice

A lot of ruins and some churches Favorites (4)

Mistras was a really important city at byzantine times. It had palaces, churches, monasteries, walls, paved... more travel advice

Plan the visit Favorites (4)

Is important to plan the visit when U come. If you come by bus, you will be dropped by the Xenia Cafe, by the lower... more travel advice

Comments (8)

Paul2001 May 21, 2006 at 2:55 PM Report Abuse

I loved Mistras. Lovely photos.
iandsmith Dec 24, 2004 at 7:19 AM Report Abuse

Nice stuff. Never heard of the place before.
Aggeliki Feb 11, 2004 at 1:17 PM Report Abuse

Soon i m going to Mistras and Monemvasia again, i dont remember how many times i have been there, sir Joaquin :-))
truus_s Mar 26, 2003 at 12:49 PM Report Abuse

Wow great page and nice photos!!I was there in 1998..but i have little photos..but a great videofilm..Thanks
marka13 Mar 12, 2003 at 12:42 PM Report Abuse

You visited one of the best byzantine monuments, in the smartest way! Up to down... :) You already know the tips sir Richard!
cbeaujean Feb 17, 2003 at 4:45 AM Report Abuse

an amazing site,well preserved...where orient roman empire remained some years after the end of constantinopolis...
herzog63 Feb 12, 2003 at 7:23 AM Report Abuse

The stone work in Mistras is beautiful! Those Spartans sound like a rough group!! Tossing babies off the cliffs?? Yikes! Great Page!!
Irine_29 Feb 7, 2003 at 11:50 PM Report Abuse

the gorge's name is the the so-famous "Kaiathas".Practices have changed lately though;-) Would u believe I haven't been to Mystras yet? :D