Monemvasia
The Medieval Rock
The Monemvasia Rock | Photo by: iStock.com, milangonda | 26.11.2017
Monemvasia (or Monovasia for the locals) means “unique entrance”, as it constituted an islet in 375 A.C. when it was cut from the menace of an earthquake from the rest of the Peloponnese. Since then, Monemvasia has only one entrance (moni emvasis). Entering was, initially, taking place with the use of a first-of-this-kind movable bridge. Monemvasia was a "flower" imminently vindicated by sea cruisers from the Ottoman conquerors due to its dominant geopolitical position in the Mediterranean. Francs, Crusaders and other conquerors named it the “Gibraltar of the East”. The Venetians named it “Napoli di Malvasia” (Neapolis).
Panagiotis | Shiny Greece
Entering the walled castle-town, you feel being wrapped by a diffusible romance of the Middle Ages. You feel being wrapped by history with its Venetian, Byzantine, Franc, Turk and Arabic remainings, many having been saved to excite the imagination of the visitors. The East, the West and the Byzantium, together in a place as small as a handful. «My Lady Monemvasia, my stony ship. Thousands are your jibs and your sails. And you always stay still to sail me in the world.”, wrote the great Monemvasian poet and holder of the Lenin prize for peace Giannis Ritsos.
Monemvasia's international visitors are served by the airport of Kalamata (KLX) and the international airport of Athens (ATH).
Visit | Taste | Learn
Stay
Malvasia Traditional Hotel
Malvasia Traditional Hotel is a traditional hotel located three hundred meters from the Monemvasia castle's gate. It is an imposing complex of stone buildings, created by joining together seven independent houses with great respect to the unique architectural styles of the castle. The hotel offers 14 rooms, each decorated differently with antique furniture and rugs, most offering beautiful sea views.
Kalderimi Thea Guesthouse
Kalderimi Thea Guesthouse is a small complex of two separate buildings with three double bedrooms, restored and refurbished with the sole aim of providing a pleasant experience to guests, located in the historic Byzantine castle city of Monemvasia. The Guest House offers a pleasant and relaxing stay with minimal aesthetics and utmost respect to traditional architecture.
Byzantino Boutique Hotel
The Byzantino Boutique Hotel is located inside the castle of Monemvasia, giving the opportunity to experience an unforgettable escape from the daily routine. The hotel consists of independent buildings with traditional rooms and apartments, fully renovated in the interior, with special regard and respect of their historical and architectural identity.
Moni Emvasis Luxury Suites
The Moni Emvasis Luxury Suites is located in the heart of the Byzantine castle citadel of Monemvasia, inviting travelers to experience a truly magical stay. The hotel offers three high luxury suites with similar services, together with a cuisine based on local Monemvasian & Greek tradition which has been masterfully recreated to meet contemporary plates.