Located not far from Sparta, Mystras (Mistras) is often included in Sparta day trips from Athens, Kalamata, and Costa Navarino. Join a guided tour to take in the ruins of this once-important Byzantine outpost, including the Kástro, Ayía Sofía church, Palace of Despots, Monemvasiá Gate, and remains of a mosque. You may even cross paths with the only remaining inhabitants of the town, a group of nuns that still reside in the spectacular Pantanassa convent.
Mystras is located about a 2.5-hour drive from Athens. Though you can get there by bus from Athens or Kalamata via the town of Sparti, by far the fastest and easiest way to reach the ruins is by joining a private or small-group driving tour.
Temperatures on the Peloponnese peninsula can soar at midday and there’s very little shade in the ruins of Mystras, so visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat and catch the best light to photograph the village and views.
Among the top sights in Mystras are the Palace of Despots, located at the top of the ruins, and the 14th-century Church of Agia Sofia, which features marble floors and well-preserved frescoes. The Cathedral of Saint Demetrius dates back to the 13th century and is home to a small museum of artworks and artifacts; the last Byzantine emperor was crowned here in 1449. One of the best surviving churches in Mystras is the Pantanassa convent, where nuns sell handmade crafts and sometimes offer cool drinks to visitors. Nearby is the Peribleptos Monastery, which dates back to 1310 and contains the town’s most complete set of frescoes in the town. Also of note are the Byzantine Laskaris Mansion, Vrondohion Monastery, and the Church of Agios Theodoroi.
