Mystras reveals itself through the architecture of its fortified city, its churches and the art of the Palaiologan period. From the castle monuments, the view stretches across the Sparta Valley to the peaks of Mount Parnon and Mount Taygetus. Historic buildings and landscape stand side by side, while the individual quarters each show a different side of the place.

Museum and the Palaiologan Period

The museum at the archaeological site of Mystras is located within the site, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its exhibition focuses on the connections between the Byzantine world and the West. Selected finds and objects from Mystras illustrate the political and social reality, intellectual life and art of the Palaiologan period. The exhibition therefore places both individual objects and the worlds of life to which they belong at its centre.

Upper Town, Castle and Palaces

The castle and the castle commandant’s residence stand on the hill of Mystras. In the Upper Town, the palaces of the despots rise among mansions and numerous houses built between the 13th and 15th centuries. The palace complex consists of two wings, built in different periods and later connected. This layout differs from a single palace building constructed as one unified structure.

The square in front of the palaces also tells of changing uses: public assemblies were held there; during Ottoman rule, the square served as a market. Thus, both the building history and the former use of the central square are part of the picture when exploring the palace quarter.

Churches and Works of Art

The Peribleptos is the katholikon, or main church, of a monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was built in the mid-14th century, probably by Manuel Kantakouzenos, the first despot of Mystras. Its frescoes are among the most significant ensembles of images in Late Byzantine painting. The Pantanassa, in turn, is one of the most important monuments from the first half of the 15th century.

The Agioi Theodoroi was built between 1290 and 1295 and was the first katholikon of the Brontochion Monastery. The Hodegetria (Afentiko) was completed between 1310 and 1320 and became the monastery’s new katholikon. These two dates provide specific historical reference points for the monastery’s churches. In the palace quarter, Hagia Sophia was the katholikon of the patriarchal Monastery of the Life-Giving Christ. The Evangelistria lies on the paved path leading from the Metropolis to Brontochion Monastery.

Walking Tour and Hiking Trails

The archaeological walking tour through Mystras follows paved lanes between the buildings of the fortified city. In spring, wild oregano, thyme and wildflowers grow there. The plants add a distinctly seasonal impression to the historic buildings. The view from the castle monuments across the Sparta Valley to the peaks of Mount Parnon and Mount Taygetus provides a landscape-focused highlight.

Further afield in the region, a hiking trail starts at the entrance to the village of Taygeti. It passes the Zoodochos Pigi Monastery, Sela on the slopes of Xerovouna and Perganteika, and ends at Faneromeni Monastery after about two hours. The E4 European long-distance path also passes through Taygeti and continues towards Anavryti. These two hiking options can be considered as distinct regional opportunities alongside the historic sites and the archaeological walking tour.

Discover more destinations: Plítra, Finiki, Mirsini, Skoutari, Karyes, Skála, Pikoulianika, Elika.

For the regional travel overview: Laconia.