Monemvasia is a picturesque mediaeval city built on a rock 300 m high in the middle of the sea. A
bridge connects it with the land. It is a very romantic place mostly visited by couples. The name
comes from the Greek "moni emvasis", single entrance since the rock of Monemvasia is an
almost vertical rock with only one side from which it can be approached. Since ancient times
people used to move there for short periods to avoid the attacks of various invading tribes and
pirates. In 1249 and after three years of strict seizure the Frank prince Billeardouin takes
under his control the strategic rock only to loose it after ten years to the Byzantine Emperor
Michael Palaiologos VIII. The latter will develop the small city as he did with Mistras. Monemvasia grows in importance and becomes a nautical
power and a rich commercial city under the command of the Despottato of Mistras. Famous is
its wine, the Malvasia, which was sought after in the medieval European royal courts. Its wealth
though attracts the pirates and in 1292 the infamous Catalan pirate Rutsiero de Liura who looted
the city and took many of its inhabitants as slaves. Through the passage of time the people of
Monemvasia become great sailors and very often pirates themselves and certain families gain great
influence and repeatedly attempt to make Monemvasia an independent city with no lack. Until 1715
the rock of Monemvasia will pass from the hands of Byzantines to those of Latins, Venetians,
Turks, Venetians again. The latter sold it to the Turks.
The only monument in the city that stands almost untouched by the passage of time is the church
of Agia Sofia on top of the rock with an excellent view to the sea. It was built as a model of
the Agia Sofia in Constantinople. The city of Monemvasia has around 40(!) churches. Apart from
the Byzantine and mediaeval buildings and ruins all over the city half of the pleasure in
visiting that place is strolling around the beautiful narrow streets next to the stone-built
houses and yards with flowers. The taverns of Monemvasia are some of the most renowned in
Greece. The city can be used as the basis for numerous excursions around the area that doesn't
lack beautiful crystal clear beaches.
Monemvasia is a picturesque mediaeval city built on a rock 300 m high in the middle of the sea. A
bridge connects it with the land. It is a very romantic place mostly visited by couples. The name
comes from the Greek "moni emvasis", single entrance since the rock of Monemvasia is an
almost vertical rock with only one side from which it can be approached. Since ancient times
people used to move there for short periods to avoid the attacks of various invading tribes and
pirates. In 1249 and after three years of strict seizure the Frank prince Billeardouin takes
under his control the strategic rock only to loose it after ten years to the Byzantine Emperor
Michael Palaiologos VIII. The latter will develop the small city as he did with 
The only monument in the city that stands almost untouched by the passage of time is the church
of Agia Sofia on top of the rock with an excellent view to the sea. It was built as a model of
the Agia Sofia in Constantinople. The city of Monemvasia has around 40(!) churches. Apart from
the Byzantine and mediaeval buildings and ruins all over the city half of the pleasure in
visiting that place is strolling around the beautiful narrow streets next to the stone-built
houses and yards with flowers. The taverns of Monemvasia are some of the most renowned in
Greece. The city can be used as the basis for numerous excursions around the area that doesn't
lack beautiful crystal clear beaches.