Excursion Ancient mystras tour at Gytheio

Discover Mystras, a city lost to time and yet alive with history, on this half day (four hours) guided exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Embark from the pier and board your coach for the one-hour drive to Mystras. Discover the medieval ruins of the mountainside city known as the "Wonder of Morea," the medieval name of the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece. Explore what remains of the churches and palaces that stand abandoned to the annals of time and are made even more fascinating by the ever-encroaching vegetation slowly swallowing this archeological wonder.

View the ruins of Mystras, built around a castle fortress erected by the Frankish Prince William II of Villehardouin in the year 1249 to withstand attacks by the Byzantines. Learn from your guide about the effort that proved futile, as Mystras soon was conquered and fell under Byzantine rule, making the city a center of Byzantine power. Discover the ruins of Metropolis Old Cathedral, dating from 1309 and dedicated to St. Demetrios. Observe its ornate frescos and brilliant relief of a two-headed eagle, proud emblem of Byzantium.

After your two-hour tour, return to your coach for the drive back to the pier in Gythion.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Mystras World Heritage site, including Metropolis Old Cathedral.

Note

Please note: This excursion is not suitable for guests with limited mobility as it involves walking on cobblestones and uphill. Casual clothing and comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended. This tour involves two hours of driving.