Monemvasia

Monemvasia (Μονεμβασιά) is a fortified medieval town on a great rock off the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese. A single narrow causeway links the rock to the mainland, and its name means 'single entrance'. It is often called the Gibraltar of the East. Its history began in the early 6th century, when people from Laconia fled raids to the rock.

Inside the walls, the inhabited Lower Town is a maze of cobbled lanes, stone houses and Byzantine churches such as Christ Elkomenos. The Archaeological Collection and the house of the poet Yannis Ritsos, who was born here, lie near the main gate. The Portello sea gate opens onto rocks for swimming below the walls. A zigzag path climbs to the largely ruined Upper Town. There the 12th-century Church of Agia Sophia stands at the cliff edge. Show more

Monemvasia was a rich Byzantine and later Venetian trading port. It gave its name to Malvasia wine, which is made again in the area today. Small hotels in restored mansions and tavernas fill the Lower Town, and the modern village of Gefyra lies on the mainland. The causeway is a favourite spot at sunset.