Monemvasia is one of the highlights on the Peloponnese through its position on a special island just off the coast.
Nowadays the island is connect by a small dam, but in medieval time there was a long bridge which had a draw bridge in the middle. This 1km long and 100m high island was the site of a powerful medieval fortress which was founded in 583 AD.
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| Reaching the upper gate |
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| Many gates between the upper town and the lower town |
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| View over the lower town |
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| Mostly crumbled remains of the upper town … |
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| … only the main church still exists and was recently renovated |
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| Some frescos could be recovered |
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| The church of Hagia Sophia is now the highlight of the upper town |
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| Walking to the top |
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| Harbour on the mainland |
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| … and new town on the mainland |
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| Cyclamen everywhere |
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| Crocus Goulimyi – endemic to Greece |
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| Turkish bath in the background |
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| Giant fennel covers the hill – already dry in October |
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| Entrance to the upper town |
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| Descending to the lower town |
In the lower town, many medieval houses have been restored and turned into hotels or flats to rent. Little shops and many restaurants give this medieval town a lively atmosphere.
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| Main square at the lower town with the access to the upper town in the background |
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| Narrow alleys |
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| Lovely atmosphere at night |
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| Parking for the night at the harbour |