Overview:

The Castle of Monemvasia, also known as the "Gibraltar of the East", is a medieval fortress in the region of Laconia, located on a 500-foot-high rock on the southern coast of the Peloponnese in Greece. It was founded in the 6th century AD by the Byzantines and later served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire in the Peloponnese. The castle is nestled atop a steep-sided rock giving it an impregnable location and presenting an awe-inspiring sight. The natural fortifications, sea walls, and deep moats that protect the castle has allowed it to survive and remain almost unchanged over the centuries. Today the Castle of Monemvasia is a pedestrian-friendly site and is one of the most popular places to visit in Greece. It is well worth a visit while exploring the Peloponnese as it offers breathtaking views and interesting history intertwined with the Byzantine heritage of the site. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

The most notable feature of the Castle of Monemvasia in Greece is its fortified walls and towers. The castle’s outer and inner walls, built in the 13th and 14th centuries, are still standing today, and form an impressive fortress that allowed the island to remain independent for centuries. On one side of the castle is the Sea Gate, which once provided the only access to the castle. Inside the walls are churches, homes, and other buildings from the Byzantine and Venetian periods. The castle is also surrounded by a moat and reached by a steep, winding road. One of its most iconic features is the Venetian-style lion monument that stands in the western square of the castle. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

The fortress of Monemvasia in the southeastern Peloponnese region of Greece has a long and colorful history dating back to the 6th century BC. The castle was founded by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I in the late 5th century AD. It began as a Byzantine fortress and eventually grew into a major trading center. In the 12th century, credit goes to the Franks for rebuilding and fortifying the castle, due to its strategic location, as well as the expansion of the tow and its impenetrable walls. Monemvasia also played an important role in later conflicts between Greece and the Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman occupation, the citadel was always in the hands of the Turkish rulers. In 1821, at the beginning of the Greek War of Independence, Monemvasia became a centre of Greek resistance and in 1828, it was recaptured by Greek forces. The castle was then remodelled according to military strategies and allowed for a quicker victory over the Turks. After the Greek War of Independence, Monemvasia remained in Greek hands. Since then, the castle has undergone reconstructions in order to create a more historical and touristy atmosphere. Today, the castle is a popular tourist destination due to its preserved ancient ruins, its picturesque beauty, and its connection to Greek history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Castle of Monemvasia often referred to by its nickname, the Gibraltar of the East, is a majestic fortress built on a large rock in the Laconic Gulf in the Peloponnese, Greece. 2. The castle is built on a narrow, rocky outcrop, 800 meters (2,625 feet) long, and connected to the mainland by a causeway. 3. The castle was founded in 583 AD by the Byzantines as a refuge in times of danger. 4. It was used as a safe haven from the Langicon Republic in the 11th century and became a thriving city in the 15th century. 5. Monemvasia was named after and an old Greek saying, “Moni Emvasion” which means “single entrance”. 6. Archaeological evidence shows that the area of Monemvasia was inhabited 1000 years BC by tribes from Laconia. 7. The massive stone walls of the castle and Venetian fortifications have been well preserved, and the entire site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 8. Monemvasia is a popular tourist destination in the summer, with thousands of tourists visiting the castle each year. 9. There are six main gates to enter the city walls, each with their own toll. 10. Monemvasia is home to numerous churches, including the Church of the Dormition where Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was said to have spent her last days. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era