Tag Archive for: Monemvasia

In the upper town of Monemvasia, Peloponnese

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View from the upper town in Monemvasia to the Laconian coast

A steep climb from the medieval lower town leads to the citadel of Monemvasia on the rocky plateau, about 300 metres above sea level. The town on the rock, just a few hundred metres off the coast, was once known as the Gibraltar of Greece. While numerous buildings in the lower town have been restored, the upper town is characterised by ruins, foundations, vaults and cisterns. The plateau is overgrown with typical Mediterranean vegetation and its spicy scent, through which numerous beaten tracks wind. In return, the view of the Laconian coast in the southeast of the Peloponnese peninsula is breathtakingly beautiful.

Taverna in Monemvasia, Peloponnese

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Taverna in Monemvasia, Greece

Monemvasia was an old Byzantine stronghold, built on a rock in the sea just a few hundred metres off the coast of Laconia in the southeast of the Greek Peloponnese peninsula, and is connected to the mainland by a causeway. The settlement consists of the Lower Town, where many of the buildings have now been carefully restored and offer romantic yet affordable accommodation and dining, and the fortified Upper Town with its citadel. This is accessible via a steep path and offers a fantastic panoramic view of the coast and the sea. After the strenuous sightseeing tour, I found a shady little spot to rest in one of the inviting cafes and tavernas. I watched the locals and travellers until late into the night, when the place becomes even more charming due to the peace and quiet.