Mystras Sightseeing

Sightseeing
The Palaces
The palaces of the despots of Morea dominate Mystras from their rocky foundations in the center of Ano Hora, where the Monemvasia gate leads from Kato Hora. It is a spectacular complex, comprised of buildings built at different times. The first, the "mansion of the Cantakuzenoi," was constructed in the first years, perhaps by the Franks. The second edifice dates from the same period (1250-1350). The third, a four-storey building, was erected between 1350 and 1400, as was the fourth, a two-storey mansion, which was the residence of the despot. The fifth building (1400-1450) was the palace of the Paleologoi. Its length is 38 meters and its width 12 meters. The first storey was intended for the departments of the Seigniory. The second was the throne hall. The abandoned palaces constitute an important attraction for the modern visitor. After their restoration, they are a vivid reminder of an era that has left an indelible mark on history. Another example is the grand square, the site of official displays during the days of Mystras' glory and a market in later years, when the town was a busy commercial center.

The Fortress
At the top of the hill, at an altitude of 620 meters, the fortress was built in 1249 by Villehardouin II. In later years, many improvements and additions were made. It has two yards, with a gate for each. In the outer yard is a sturdy circular tower, a cistern, and the ruins of buildings dating from the years of Turkish occupation. In the inner yard is the abandoned residence of the governor, a cistern, a circular tower, and a small church, perhaps the oldest edifice in Mystras.

The Walls
There are two lines of fortification in Mystras. The inner wall, which was constructed to protect the first inhabitants, encloses the Palaces of the Despots. The outer wall was constructed later to protect the inhabitants of Kato Hora. The fortifications are complemented by square-shaped towers.

The Gates
Mystras had three gates: the fortified Gate in the outer wall, today the main entrance for visitors, at the point where the road ends; the Upper Gate (Fortress Gate) and the Gate of Nafplion, high up on the northern side of the inner wall, fortified with square and circular towers and with an iron portal that could be lowered and lifted. Internal communication between Kato and Ano Hora was through the Gate of Monemvasia, also known as Sideroporta ("Iron Gate").

The Mansions and Houses
History and daily life in Mystras emerge from the centuries-old winding alleys and its mansions and houses. Old or more recent, most have retained their initial form and constitute a valuable source of information regarding architecture, the manner of construction, and daily life in the 13th century and later. The most significant, as they are better preserved, are the Laskaris mansion near Marmara, the Frangopoulos mansion between the Perivleptos and the Pantanassa, and the Palataki near Agios Nikolaos in Pano Hora; the various stages of its construction place it between the second half of the 13th and the first years of the 15th century.

The Churches
More than 25 churches contribute with their architecture and history to the special character Mystras. Agios Dimitrios, Evangelistria, Agioi Theodoroi, Panagia Odigitra, The Perivlepos, Pantanassa, Agia Sofia.

The Byzantine Museum
The museum of Mystras is housed in the two-storeyed building at the west wing of the north courtyard of the Cathedral of Agios Demetrios. It was founded in 1951, and, since then, its collections have been considerably enriched. It contains collections of Byzantine sculpture, jewelry, pottery, coins, fragments of wall paintings, portable post-Byzantine icons, and pieces of fabric.