A Roman theater with a capacity of 16,000 spectators is among the archaeological remains of ancient Sparta. In Monemvasia, the ascent to the Upper Town begins at the central square of the Lower Town. These two details mark different starting points for planning a trip to Laconia: archaeological heritage and practical wayfinding.

Ancient Sparta

Parts of the sanctuary of Athena Chalkioikos have been preserved on the acropolis of ancient Sparta. The archaeological remains also include a Roman theater with a capacity of 16,000 spectators. The Archaeological Museum of Sparta displays the mosaic “The Abduction of Europa.” The range of topics thus extends from the sanctuary and theater architecture to a specific museum object.

Mystras and Geraki: Byzantium, Churches and Kilims

The Museum of the Archaeological Site of Mystras features an exhibition about the relations between Byzantium and the West. Mystras thus complements the ancient themes of Sparta with a perspective on Byzantine history and cultural relations.

Geraki Castle combines a Frankish fortification with a group of Byzantine churches. The churches preserve examples of fresco art dating from the 12th to the 15th century. Geraki kilims are recognized as part of Greece’s intangible cultural heritage. The span of the frescoes and the recognized kilim tradition add visual art and intangible cultural heritage to the picture of Geraki.

Monemvasia and Pavlopetri: Location and Orientation

A narrow strip of land connects Monemvasia to the Laconian coast. The ascent to the Upper Town begins at the central square of the Lower Town, follows the signs through a fortified, winding gateway, and continues along an uphill paved path. For easy orientation, the route can be summarized as: square, gateway, paved ascent.

The underwater site of Pavlopetri lies in the waters between Pounta Beach and Elafonisos. The geographic reference points are clearly different: for Monemvasia, it is the strip of land leading to the Laconian coast; for Pavlopetri, its location in the water between the beach and the island.

Those who extend their search beyond Laconia to the entire Peloponnese can include other topics with a different focus. The Menalon Trail is a 75-kilometer network of marked paths connecting nine mountain villages. It passes through Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Zygovisti, Elati, Bytina, Nymphasia, Magouliana, Valtesiniko and Lagkadia in Gortynia.

On the Peloponnese, the Theater of Epidaurus is still used for performances of ancient dramas; an annual festival has been held there since 1955. The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus is considered the earliest organized sanatorium and is associated with the history of medicine.

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia displays finds from the Sanctuary of Zeus, including the Hermes of Praxiteles and the Nike of Paionios. The display of individual works may depend on conservation measures. The archaeological site of Olympia also preserves sports facilities that were used for the preparation and staging of the Olympic Games.

Another change of focus on the Peloponnese leads to nature: a circular nature trail begins at the information center of the Ornithological Society by the old pumping station at Gialova Lagoon. In the broader regional context, marked village trails, cultural sites and a nature trail offer different interests to choose from.

Discover more destinations: Plítra, Monemvasia, Skoutari, Skála, Sparta, Limeni, Lagkada, Oitylo, Karavostasi, Xirokambi, Faris, Mistrás, Yerolimín, Sykia, Elafonisos, Koita, Gytheio, Xifias, Varvitsa, Georgitsi, Kiparissos, Pyrgos Dirou, Selinitsa, Paralia, Kokkala, Karyes, Mavrovouni, Elos, Mirtia, Paleochora, Dhaimoniaa, Lakonia, Mirsini, Mina, Sellasia, Kotronas, Voutiani, Velies, Platanos, Agios Ioannis, Tripi, Neapoli Vion, Pikoulianika, Finiki, Areopoli, Alika, Kamares, Agios Kiprianos, Kafiona, Foutia, Elika, Psathakia, Molaoi

For the regional travel overview: Peloponnese.