This
Kalamata shore trip visits the ancient site of Classical Sparta, once the largest state in Greece. You also visit the fortified town of Mystras which is located on Mt.
Taygetos, near ancient Sparta.
After meeting your guide you start the drive to Classical Sparta which was once the largest and most powerful state of ancient Greece. The majority of towns on the mainland of Greece were in an alliance with Sparta. In the Peloponnesian War Sparta defeated Athens to become known as the mistress of Greece. But not for long as soon she was defeated by other Greeks. Even in the best of times Ancient Sparta was more like a large village. There were no grand public buildings, nor city walls or towers. Sparta residents were proud of saying that their brave warriors were the city walls. In modern times Sparta is a thriving city and the home of the first king of independent Greece Otto in 1834.
Next you drive to Mystras which served as the capital of the
Byzantine Despotate of the Morea in the 14th and 15th centuries but was
eventually abandoned and today is an interesting site that allows
visitors a peak into the past.
As you
approach Mystras you will feel as if you were making a pilgrimage to
Byzantine Greece.
The modern town of Sparti has a population of about 4,500 people and is
built along the waterfront and up the
lower slopes of a 600 foot hill, crowned by the ruins of the Mystras.
Going up the hill, you enter Mystras through the castle gate, which
welcomes you to wander through the narrow lanes of this once invincible
fortress. The most important and oldest monument that you will visit on
your way up the hill is the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios. On the floor
of the church is the two-headed eagle, the symbol of the Palaeologos
Dynasty, carved into a plaque. According to tradition, this is where
Constantine XII stepped when he was crowned king. Next to it stands the
richly carved 17th century walnut throne.
Strolling through the narrow lanes of the dead city, you will visit the
Church of Agia Sophia, the Palace of the Despots and the Monastery of
Pantanassa, with its brilliant frescoes.
After your visit to Mystras, the Last Byzantine Stronghold, you are driven back to your ship in Kalamata.
Mobility: No wheelchairs
If you cannot find what you are looking for, our
Kalamata shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private
Kalamata shore trip using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please
contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.
