Monemvasia – Well worth the journey
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Mid 12th Century Byzantine church of Agia Sophia, Monemvasia
This medieval fortress with an adjacent town is located on a small peninsula off the coast of the Peloponneses and linked to the mainland by a 200m long causeway. The name Monemvasia is derived from the words ‘moni emvasi’ i.e. sole approach. This 300m high rock was first settled by the Laconians in the 6th Century AD. Since then and for more than 1,000 years, Monemvasia has experienced not only days of glory and fame, but also sieges and occupations. Monemvasia was finally liberated during the Greek War of Independence 1821-1829.
To reach the old town, one must walk or drive across the causeway from the mainland to the entrance portal in the walls. Walk the few steps through the tunnel and emerge into a town of tile roofed houses, attractive shops, cafes and more than forty churches strewn among the narrow streets. Most of the buildings are made from local stone and many have been renovated to serve as hotels and summer homes to both Greeks and foreigners.
After two nights staying in New Monemvasia on the mainland (considered splashing out and staying somewhere in the castle, however, it is far too romantic a place to sleep on one’s own) busy updating my website, today I was up very early to go visit the old town and fortress. Weather overcast and drizzly but certainly not cold – from the point of view of taking photographs, no shadows to be concerned with, only the sky and the sea would not be their glorious blue.
What can I say – Monemvasia is a knock out! Incredibly beautiful – from the dozens of photographs I have taken today, I sincerely hope you will all enjoy the selection I have added to my More Photos page.
Tonight will be my last here in New Monemvasia. Had hoped to visit the village of Kiparissi, however, it is just too difficult to get to. Considered a couple of nights in Neapoli but again it was going to involve too much travelling during the next four days, so have purchased my bus ticket, leaving at 0715 hours tomorrow morning (Sunday) back the 95km to Sparti and from there, another bus south to Gythio. The last time I was there back in 1981 I was en route to Crete where I met Costas in Kastelli Kissamos – another chapter from my past – now next Thursday I will make the same ferry journey to visit Anna, Costas’ mother and all the rest of the extended family – some forty plus, I can’t remember exactly how many there are now – when I was living there, I made twenty two. Their doors will always be open to me and there, I never go without.
Although I’m travelling alone, anyone who wishes to can travel with me on this journey. I am free – I am certainly not alone!