Byzantine Mystras, located near Sparta in the southeastern Peloponnese, is one of Greece’s most fascinating historical sites. Once the heart of the Byzantine Empire in the region, Mystras is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, giving visitors the opportunity to look into its rich past. Found on Mount Taygetos, the medieval fortress city is known for its impressive ruins, churches, palaces, and stunning views. A visit to Mystras is like stepping back into the Middle Ages, surrounded by the beauty of both architecture and nature.

Mystras was founded in the 13th century by the Franks during the Fourth Crusade but quickly became a center of Byzantine power after being recaptured by the Greeks. At the heart of the site is the Fortress of Mystras, high on the hill. The fortress offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and was once a key defensive stronghold. Climbing up to the fortress gives you a real sense of how strategic this location was, providing protection and overseeing the fertile plains of Sparta below.

One of the most important sections of Mystras is the Palace of the Despots, which served as the residence for the rulers of the Despotate of the Morea, the region's Byzantine province. The palace complex, a mix of impressive stone buildings, was the political and administrative center of the area. Walking through the ruins of these grand halls, it’s easy to imagine the grandeur of Mystras during its peak in the 14th and 15th centuries, when it was a flourishing cultural and political hub.

Mystras is particularly famous for its well-preserved Byzantine churches, which showcase some of the finest examples of medieval religious art and architecture. The Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios, built in the 13th century, is one of the most impressive buildings on the site. Its interior is decorated with stunning frescoes depicting saints and religious scenes, giving visitors a sense of the religious practices of the time. According to local tradition, this is where Constantine XI, the last Byzantine emperor, was crowned before his fateful defense of Constantinople.

Other notable churches include the Church of Agia Sophia and the Monastery of Pantanassa, which is still inhabited by nuns today. The Pantanassa Monastery is known for its beautifully intricate architecture and breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape. It’s also one of the most intact buildings on the site, offering a clearer picture of what Mystras might have looked like in its glory days.

By the 15th century, Mystras had become a center of learning, culture, and art. Scholars and philosophers from across the Byzantine world gathered here, making it one of the last strongholds of Byzantine culture before the fall of Constantinople in 1453. However, after the Ottoman conquest of the region, Mystras began to decline and was eventually abandoned by the 19th century.

Despite its decline, the legacy of Mystras remains strong. The site is a treasure for historians and archaeologists, and its churches and palaces are some of the best-preserved examples of Byzantine architecture in Greece. The stories and history of Mystras, along with its beautiful setting, continue to mesmerize visitors from around the world.

Today, Mystras is a quiet and atmospheric site where visitors can wander among the ruins, climb to the fortress, and explore the many churches that remain. The site is divided into two main sections—the upper town and the lower town, each filled with winding stone paths, archways, and remnants of the past. The climb to the fortress can be steep, but the views make it well worth the effort.

While you’re there, you can also visit the Archaeological Museum of Mystras, which houses a collection of artifacts from the site, including religious icons, sculptures, and everyday items used by the inhabitants of the city giving a better understanding of what life was like in Mystras.

Byzantine Mystras is a wonderous destination for a taxi excursion from Nafplion for anyone interested in medieval history, Byzantine culture, or simply enjoying the beauty of ancient ruins in a stunning natural setting. Its churches, palaces, and fortress remind visitors of the city’s former glory and its role as a major center of power in the Byzantine world. A visit to Mystras offers a journey through time, where you can experience history, art, and nature in this on site, one of Greece’s most impressive landmarks.

Approx.2.5 hours from Tolo.