One of the most beautiful parts of this region of the Peloponnese is the plain of Laconia which extends from Sparta to the port of Gytheion. The many neo-classical houses of this harbor town are built on the slopes of Mount Kourmaros. Aside from its remaining ancient theater and cultural museum, visitors can enjoy local beaches and a variety of dining opportunities. The inhabitants of Gytheion claim Hercules and Apollo as its founders. According to mythology, Paris and Helen of Troy were reputed to have spent their first night together on nearby ancient Kranae, now called Marathonissi.
Enlarging the natural harbour, it was used by the Spartans as their naval base and the main port of trade. Today Gytheion is visited mostly for its scenic beauty.
Ancient Mystras - Our tour took us to Mystras, a city lost to time and yet alive with history, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A one-hour drive to Mystras.
The ruins of Mystras are built around a castle fortress erected by the Frankish Prince William II of Villehardouin in the year 1249 to withstand attacks by the Byzantines. But the fortification never worked, Mystras soon was conquered and fell under Byzantine rule, making the city a center of Byzantine power.
The final straw to Mystras came in 1823 during the Greek war of Independence when Egyptians under the rule of Ibrahim massacred the local population and destroyed the local area. The town was rebuilt 9 km away under the name Sparti in 1831. Most families moved to Sparti, but a few decided to move instead to New Mystras, a small village in the countryside. This process of relocation was completed in 1953 when the remaining properties were confiscated by the municipality. In 1989 the ruins, including the fortress, palace, churches, and monasteries, were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a museum and the partially restored ruins of the city. The only inhabitants today are a group of nuns who reside in the Pantanassa Monastery. The majority of the most important churches are still standing, including St. Demetrios, the Hagia Sophia, St. George, and the Monastery of Peribleptos. The Palace of the Despots has undergone substantial restorations in the past decade, making it a significant attraction.
Tthe ruins of Metropolis Old Cathedral, dating from 1309 and dedicated to St. Demetrio, with its ornate frescos and brilliant relief of a two-headed eagle, proud emblem of Byzantium. Unfortunately out guide spent far too long going into minute detail about everything and gave us no time to see two thirds of this fantastic place.
click on a thumbnail to get a bigger photo
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Back in town by 12.30 we wandered along the coast in both directions for 40 minutes before returning to the ship. A relaxing afternoon and early evenino spent on the back deck, with a swim, a siesta and viewing of a rubbish cruise video. Had our first really bad food, thick rubbery squid.
click on a thumbnail to get a bigger photo
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