Why You Need to Visit the Amazing UNESCO Site of Mystras Greece

Confession time.

I didn’t know anything about Mystras Greece.

That is until I got to the town of Sparti which is just a few kilometers away.

The folks at Laconia Travel — who I had booked my apartment through and who I had booked a guide through (for the ancient site of Sparta) — told me I had to visit the castle town of Mystras.

And that it was one of Greece’s most important historical sites.

And that it was a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I have to admit I had no idea what they were talking about.

Then I Googled it.

Because that’s what we do in this internet age.

And I was astounded that I knew nothing of it.

So I decided I needed to visit it. 

All I can say is WOW!

Jaw on the ground, eyes popping out, WOW!

You know how we roll here at Wander Your Way.

I’ll start with where this incredible site is then tell you why I think you should put it on your list!

Where is Mystras Greece?

Mystras is just 5km (so about 3.1 miles) from the town of Sparti.

It sits on the Peloponnese peninsula so it’s a good 220km from Athens.

The area or region is known as Laconia.

This is a mountainous area with Sparti sitting in the valley. 

The Taygetos range is to the west and the lower Parnonas range is to the east.

Mystras sits on the slopes of the Taygetos range.

And it is an impressive and stunning location.

What is Mystras Greece?

Mystras Greece is, or was, a fortified town — a very important town — back in the days of the Byzantine Empire.

So we’re talking about the 1200’s to the 1400’s.

And it was still a town when the Ottomans came into power a bit later.

Mystras was even briefly occupied by the Venetians.

But by the early 1800’s it was no longer a major city.

And, like so many places that get abandoned, it began to fall into ruins.

Those that chose to stay in Mystras built New Mystras at the base of the mountain which is really where the town is today.

In 1989 Mystras was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

While most of the families that once lived in Mystras moved to New Mystras and Sparti, there is a group of nuns who still live in the Pantanassa Monastery in Mystras up on the hillside.

You may catch a glimpse of them when you visit the site.

Why should you visit this UNESCO site?

I have several reasons. 

So keep reading to find out why I think Mystras is worthy of your time.

Because it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

This is a no brainer.

It’s not easy to achieve this status so this tells you Mystras Greece is a special site. 

I find that any site or place that has UNESCO status is worthy of time.

From my experience, Mystras is deserving of this designation.

Because Mystras is one of Greece’s most important historical sites

This surprised me when I heard this.

However, it’s true.

While it’s not from ancient times like the Parthenon in Athens or Olympia, it was the center of Byzantine power for a couple of centuries.

Monasteries were founded here.

And it was important politically.

So at its height, Mystras was a bustling city with palaces, churches, convents, houses, streets and public squares. 

And so much of this is still evident.

Which leads to the next reason…

Because this site is well preserved and incredibly impressive

I was so impressed by Mystras Greece.

It truly blew me away.

The structures are still in good shape with a lot still standing.

Inside of some of the churches you’ll find impressive artwork — frescoes — that are beautiful.

Some of the walls/fortifications are still intact and even archways and part of the water supply system. 

Really.

I think you’ll be as wowed by Mystras as I was.

Because the location of Mystras Greece is gorgeous

A city built on the side of the hill — and up to the top of that hill?

You can bet that the location is stunning and the views are amazing.

The fortification/citadel is at the top and the rest of the city sort of cascades down the hill.

The top offers awesome views to the mountains behind and in front of you is the valley where Sparti is.

But even some of the points a bit lower have fabulous views.

You can see why people chose to build a beautiful city in this spot.

Because there is a lot to see 

Mystras Greece is not a small site.

I can’t seem to find just the size of the historical site but I can tell you that you will do A LOT of walking.

The churches, palaces, houses, monasteries and public squares are scattered about the hillside.

There is so much to see at this UNESCO site.

And yes, you can go inside some of the buildings — although there are some that are closed off.

It is well worth the €12

Okay.

So those are the reasons you need to see Mystras. 

Now I want to give you some practical advice for your visit.

Tips for visiting Mystras Greece

Cost: €12 for an adult ticket

 

Where to enter: There are 2 places you can enter Mystras.

The lower main entrance will have you starting at the very bottom.

This means if you want to see just the top part — the fort — you have A LOT of walking uphill.

There is a higher entrance (parking will be harder to come by) that still requires some walking uphill but not as much.

 

When to go: This is southern Greece so it can get brutally hot in summer. 

And this is an outdoor site. 

So I advise not visiting in the middle of summer.

I was there in late October and the temperature was perfect.

Spring and autumn will be your best times with winter even being possible though you may see more rain then.

 

Things to consider: There is a LOT of walking — uphill and downhill and on very uneven surfaces.

Mystras is not suitable for those with mobility issues.

 

Other tips:

Please wear sneakers or hiking shoes. 

I saw folks in shoes that were not proper for the rocky surfaces. 

If you want to see most of Mystras Greece you will need to have some physical conditioning to tackle it all. 

Do give yourself at least 4 hours to see this fantastic site.

I would even give yourself a full day so you have some buffer time to sit and take a break if you need it. 

Although I did not use a guide, I do think hiring a guide would be a great option and a way to get more out of this fabulous historical site.

During COVID, you will have to show proof of vaccination when you buy your ticket and wear a mask at the indoor sites such as the museum (which is quite good).

There you have it.

A brief overview of Mystras along with some practical tips for your visit.

I cannot recommend this outstanding site enough.

I almost didn’t go.

But I’m so happy I did!

 

If you’ve visited Mystras Greece I’d love to hear from you.

Leave a comment below.

Please note that Wander Your Way is only recommending international travel to those who are vaccinated and feel comfortable doing so. This is because travel to Europe is complicated.

If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as Wander Your Way. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.

I am continuing to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about places. And hopefully make that bucket list! This way when we can all fully travel again, you’ll be ready to go. 

And if you are ready to go soon, please contact Lynne for any assistance you may need.

 

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