The late Byzantine city of Mystra, the modern city of Sparta and echoes of the ancient city-state – all in the foothills of mighty Mt Taygetos Fought over for centuries by Franks, Venetians, Byzantines and Ottomans. Capital of the Despotate of the Morea, in the heart of the Peloponnese – a final outpost of the defeated Byzantine emperors. A bridge from antiquity to the Renaissance. Triumphant victories and humiliating defeats, but also the wisdom of philosophers and artists of Ancient Greece. The restored buildings within the castle of Mystra invite you to relive their history. Nearby, modern Sparta links yesterday with today. The ruins of the militarist state that gave birth to so many legends of fearless courage, laconic speech and true grit are just a stone’s throw away. Live history!
