, The Magical Medieval Village and Castle of Monemvasia, Lakonia | GreekReporter.com

The Magical Medieval Village and Castle of Monemvasia, Lakonia | GreekReporter.com

The beautiful and magical ambiance of the town of Monemvasia, as well as the surrounding area of Laconia, is a romantic and secret getaway that you have to see to believe!

Not many people who visit Greece are aware of the vast variety of historical Monemvasia, a Byzantine and Venetian fortress-town, that is located on the slope of a large rock that makes up the small island of the same name.

Where is this magic escape?

monemvasia, Travel Greece by Greek Reporter
Map made by F. de Witt, Amsterdam, 1680; Monemvasia

It is located just off the east coast of the popular tourist destination of the Peloponnese. Even more enchanting, the small island came to be as the result of an earthquake in 375 AD.

Monemvasia Town
Wikimedia Commons, Monemvasia Town

The name of the town Monemvasia comes from two Greek words – ‘mone’ and ’emvasia’, meaning “single entrance” (sole approach). And when you visit the town, you will be in awe of its medieval charm and transported to a time long ago, and you imagination will be intrigued to explore every corner of the town.

A different type of Greek holiday:

The majority of the rock-island is made up of a large plateau, soaring some 100 meters above sea level. The charming town of Monemvasia overlooks Palaia Monemvasia bay and is made up of narrow, winding streets that are only traveled by foot or donkey.

Monemvasia, Peloponnese
Streets of Monemvasia, Peloponnese Wikimedia Commons, Attribution: Idler

During antiquity, there were no residences on the island, although it is believed to have been the site of a Minoan trading post.

, The Magical Medieval Village and Castle of Monemvasia, Lakonia | GreekReporter.com
Wikimedia Commons, streets of Monemvasia

Nowadays you will find ancient town walls dating back to the medieval period towering over the city along with ruins of the fortified town, guard-houses and towers, large water cisterns and the residence of the Venetian Governor.

Also, lining the narrow streets of the town you will be enchanted by over forty Byzantine churches!

History and culture in abundance:

In 583 AD, locals from the mainland fled to the island of Monemvasia as the rock-island was the perfect location for a strong fortress and to build a protected town from the Slavic and Avaric invasion.

The town and fortress thrived and following the 10th century AD, it continued to flourish and became a vital trade and maritime post.

Occupied and liberated several times throughout history, the medieval buildings on the island have recently been restored and converted into hotels. A bridge was built in 1071 to connect the island to the Laconian coast on the mainland.

, The Magical Medieval Village and Castle of Monemvasia, Lakonia | GreekReporter.com
Wikimedia Commons, view of Town of Monemvasia, Laconia, Peloponnese

Now you know where this magical escape is located and why it is a must-see destination in Greece…

…So where do you stay during your trip?

, The Magical Medieval Village and Castle of Monemvasia, Lakonia | GreekReporter.com
Kinsterna Hotel

The Kinsterna Hotel is a luxury 5 star hotel located in Monemvasia is the pride of the Peloponnese, as it is seeped in history and authenticity.

, The Magical Medieval Village and Castle of Monemvasia, Lakonia | GreekReporter.comThe Kinsterna Hotel was once an impressive mansion and estate that dates back to the Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian times. The mansion, which resembles a castle, has carefully been restored to its former glory with an added modern-day air of luxury.

, The Magical Medieval Village and Castle of Monemvasia, Lakonia | GreekReporter.com
Kinsterna Hotel, luxury 5 star hotel

The estate spans over 18 acres and is perfect model of sustainability with fruit-bearing trees, fertile vegetable patches, aromatic herb gardens – the perfect place to stay on your unforgettable trip to Monemvasia.

But of course, you could also spend a week or two on a yacht sailing from Athens and visit Monemvasia during a cruise exploring the Argo-Saronicos with Greek Island Yacht Holiday.

Why go now?

, The Magical Medieval Village and Castle of Monemvasia, Lakonia | GreekReporter.comThis part of the country is great to visit throughout the four seasons, however, you will find that the autumn, winter and spring months bring about a whole other tranquility and means of relaxation as it is ideal to enjoy walks along the cobblestone paths of Monemvasia, the vineyards, and olive groves of the mansion.

Here you will find a unique combination of antique charm with the comforts of modernity.

, The Magical Medieval Village and Castle of Monemvasia, Lakonia | GreekReporter.comThe rooms are all individualized in their style and design, sharing the common trait of traditional hand-made embroideries on the walls, custom headboards and lamps, impressive wooden ceilings covered with herringbone-patterned reeds, luxurious marble baths, traditional wooden doors and shutters, new and antique design objects, top-quality linens, and personal-care bath products.

, The Magical Medieval Village and Castle of Monemvasia, Lakonia | GreekReporter.com
Experience antique charm with the comforts of modernity at Kinsterna Hotel

And even though you are staying in a medaeval castle, don’t worry — you will have all the neccessary modern comforts to enjoy your time at The Kinsterna Hotel such as a flat-screen TV, wireless internet service, and king or queen-size beds.

, The Magical Medieval Village and Castle of Monemvasia, Lakonia | GreekReporter.comAlso, most of the rooms and suites enjoy a view of the sea, however, reminding you that you are in a historical dwelling, some of the room’s original window openings were designed to defend the manor and are narrow gun-slots or embrasures which have been preserved to retain the authenticity and history of the building. You can choose from a variety of suite and residency options to be sure you experience the rooms that are best suited for your stay.

 

Source: Travel Greece: The Magical Medieval Village and Castle of Monemvasia, Lakonia | GreekReporter.com