{"id":2286,"date":"2016-09-08T19:49:42","date_gmt":"2016-09-08T16:49:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thewandernotes.com\/en\/?p=2286"},"modified":"2016-09-08T19:52:49","modified_gmt":"2016-09-08T16:52:49","slug":"monemvasia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thewandernotes.com\/en\/monemvasia\/","title":{"rendered":"Monemvasia: A castle with a view"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"monemvasiageneral\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The Venetians called it “Malvasia di Napoli”, i.e \u201cSilk town”. We found out about it an afternoon in spring when we had a walk in the castle of Monemvasia. By Maria Th.\u00a0 Massoura<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was spring. On the second day of a road trip in Peloponnese, we ended up in the southernmost part of Laconia. I always wanted to visit the rock which hosts one of the most charming places in Greece, the Castle of Monemvasia.<\/p>\n

We crossed \u201cThe Bridge\u201d, the little bridge that separates the fortress from the new town. We left the car out, since there are no roads inside the castle and cars are not allowed. We entered the medieval walls through a small gate.\u00a0 There, we came up with another world coming out of a fairytale.<\/p>\n

\"streets\"<\/a>
Following the main cobbled street<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was spring. On the second day of a road trip in Peloponnese, we ended up in the southernmost part of Laconia. I always wanted to visit the rock which hosts one of the most charming places in Greece, the Castle of Monemvasia.<\/p>\n

We crossed \u201cThe Bridge\u201d, the little bridge that separates the fortress from the new town. We left the car out, since there are no roads inside the castle and cars are not allowed. We entered the medieval walls through a small gate.\u00a0 There, we came up with another world coming out of a fairytale.<\/p>\n

\"steps\"<\/a><\/p>\n

So did we. We had a look at the map with the many cobbled streets of the city and began. We followed the main street starting from the gate.\u00a0Following that street and passing by small beautiful shops, taverns and caf\u00e9s, we found ourselves in the Lower Town, the settlement which was built near the sea.<\/p>\n

\"streets3\"<\/a>
The main street led to the central square of the Lower Town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Every corner, a different neighborhood, colourful flowers, geraniums and bougainvilleas coming\u00a0 out from the cracks of the walls. The houses were well preserved with some of them painted in various colours while beautiful plants decorated the streets. Note that the ideal season to visit Monemvasia, is spring, when everything is blooming wonderfully.<\/p>\n

\"flowers1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The beautiful square of Christ Helkomenos with the cannon is the heart\u00a0 of the Castle. There, there is the homonymous Cathedral, a 17th century Ottoman house as well as a former mosque which now houses the archaeological museum, where you will see objects of the everyday life of the inhabitants.<\/p>\n

\"churchdetail1\"<\/a>
The square of Christ Helkomenos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From there, in 15 minutes the next cobbled street led us to the second part, the Upper Town, or, as the locals call it, to “Goula”. Do not hesitate to walk\u00a0 up. The view from there is fantastic while the church of Hagia Sophia is worth visiting as it is an exact replica of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. The third part of the Castle, called \u201cAcropolis\u201d is located at the highest point.<\/p>\n

\"detail5\"<\/a>
View of the sea from the square of Christ Helkomenos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A few days before we left, I faced a dilemma. I had decided that by facing the sea in Monemvasia, I had my answer. So, from the square of\u00a0 Christ Helkomenos, I followed an alley, I went through \u2018Portelo\u2019, a little gate, and I found myself near the sea.<\/p>\n

<\/a>
The cobbled street that leads to the sea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By looking over the rooftops of the Castle and with the blue sea stretching out ahead of me, I got my answer. Note that in summer, from that point there is an access to the sea, where you can dive.<\/p>\n

\"viewthought\"<\/a>
Thinking….with a view!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaving late in the afternoon, I thought that Ritsos didn\u2019t accidentally write these verses:<\/p>\n

” My lady Monemvasia, my stone ship.<\/em><\/p>\n

Thousands your sails and jibs.<\/em><\/p>\n

And always motionless you stay<\/em><\/p>\n

to sail me in the world\u00bb<\/em><\/p>\n

\"coffeeview\"<\/a>
A moment of instant happiness!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

POST IT<\/p>\n