Mistras Favorite Tips by Lilasel Top 5 Page for this destination

Frescos

Favorite thing: The frescos of many churches in Mystras are filled with bright colour and movement.

Agia Sofia

Favorite thing: Near the highest gate of the castle stands the church of Agia Sofia, while on the slope to the east is the Pantanassa monastery, built by the lords of the 15th century. The church is impressive in its elegance and refinement.
The wall-paintings include an impressive monumental representation of Christ in the apse.

Palaces of the Mystras Despots

Favorite thing: The palaces of the Despots were built on a small plateau on the hill. Buildings with a variety of functions, erected at different periods (13th - 15th c.), from a large complex, dominated by the throne-room (early 15th c.)

History

Favorite thing: The city was founded in the 13th century during the Frankish occupation of the Peloponessos by the Frank William de Villehardouin who built a fortress, his palace and surrounded them with the walls that defended the city for another 400 years. Villehardouin was defeated by the Byzantine Greeks in 1259 and it was during this period that the churches were build as well as the Palace of the Despots and over 2000 houses. The city had a population of over 25,000 and after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, became the center of the Byzantine empire until it fell to the Turks just seven years later. In 1687 the city was captured by the Venetians and it became a center for the silk industry. At that time there were 40,000 inhabitants. (The modern city of Sparta now has a population of under 15,000 to give you some idea of the size of Mystras.)

More places to visit

Favorite thing: You should also not miss visiting the monastery of Pantanassa, the Churches of Agia Sophia, Evangelistrias, Agion Theodoron and Othigitria. The Byzantine Museum housed at the metropolis has a collection of sculpted exhibits, Byzantine icons and superb objects of micrography.

Castle

Favorite thing: The most important group of buildings associated with the city's defense system are to be found within the Castle area.
The wall with battlements and towers was built in 1249 by the Franklin prince, William II de Villehardouin. Later, it was repaired by Byzantines and Turks who also made additions to it.

Why Mystras?

Favorite thing: The original name of Mystras was Myzithras which means "cheese-maker" and why it was called that nobody knows for sure.

The last emperor

Favorite thing: In modern village of Mystras you will see the statue of Konstantinos Palaiologos - the last emperor of Byzantium. He was crowned in 1449 in Mystras, and he left Mystras for Constantinople.
In 1453 the Turks captured Constantinople and a few years later in 1460 the same fate befell Mystras.

Mystras town

Favorite thing: The hill on which Mystras is built was thus defended by two strongly fortified walls, dominated by an impregnable castle. The Lower city was for the urban class. Higher up, in the Upper City, was situated the aristocratic quarter, with its palaces, mansions and government offices.

Rain

Favorite thing: The magical rain was following us when we entered Mystras. But a little bit later the sun appeared... The beauty of the town remained unchanged.