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Monemvasia is a Gibraltar-like rocky island off the
east coast of the Peloponnese, in Greece, and linked to the mainland by
a short causeway.
The island is about 300 meters wide and a kilometer long, and rises in a
plateau, a hundred metres above sea level.
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On the slope of this plateau, on the seaward side and hidden from the
mainland, lies a small town.
This remarkably romantic walled town, nestled under the shadow of the
towering rock is a living museum of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian
history dating back to the 13th century.
Monemvasia was settled in the 6th century by the inhabitants of ancient
Laconia seeking refuge from the Slavic invaders who dominated much of
Greece between 500 to 700 AD. |
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The rocky island had been separated from the mainland by an earthquake
in 375 AD. Over the next several centuries, Monemvasia changed hands
again and again, back and forth, between the Venetians and the Turks,
until it was liberated during the Greek War of Independence in the early
19th century.
The name Monemvasia is derived from two Greek words, mone and emvasia,
meaning "single entrance" and refers to the narrow causeway which is the
only way to enter the town.
The island was initially settled on the top of the plateau, which is now
referred to as the “Upper Town”. Gradually the settlement spread down
the hill, and thanks to its uniquely well-defended position, developed
into a powerful town. |
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In the declining days of the Byzantium Empire, Monemvasia became its
main city and one of the great commercial centers of the Byzantium world
and a major trading port, with a population of 40,000. By the 18th
century, Monemvasia went into decline until it was re-discovered by
tourists in the 1970’s.
Slowly, the town is resurging in importance – this time as tourist
destination with an increasing numbers of tourists visiting the region
during the summer.
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The medieval buildings have been restored, and many of them converted to
hotels, and there are plenty of places to eat.
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