PERIOD

Byzantine

Archaeological site of Mystras

The castle city of Mystras is spread over three levels on the slope of a naturally fortified hill next to the imposing Mt. Taygetos in Laconia. It was the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of Morea in the 14th and 15th centuries, a period of prosperity and cultural flourishing. It was a superb center of philosophy, culture and the arts, but also a characteristic example of a fortified Byzantine city.

Date of entry into UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites
1989

Visit website of MSC Supporting material

Manuscripts. Museum of Mystras.

Medieval fabric and modern recreation of byzantine garment and shoe. Museum of Mystras.

Seat from marble depicting Christ sitting on his throne, from the church of Perivleptos. Museum of Mystras.

Mystras: Double headed eagle in relief, on the floor of the church of St. Demetrios, the emblem of the Palaeologan dynasty.

Mystras: Interior of the church of St. Demetrios (cathedral), fresco depicting the Preparation of the Throne.

Mystras: Interior of the church of St. Demetrios (cathedral).

Mystras: Interior of the church of St. Demetrios (cathedral), column with inscripted texts of documents sealed by the emperor.

Mystras: church of St. Demetrios (cathedral).

Mystras: church of Saints Theodoroi.

Mystras: monastery of Pantanassa.

Mystras: church of Odigetria (Afentiko).

Mystras: interior of the church of St. Demetrios (cathedral).

Mystras: the fortifications of the castle-city.

Mystras: The city of Sparta in front of the hill of Mystras.

Mystras: interior of the katholikon (main church) of the monastery of Pantanassa.

Mystras: the castle on the top of the hill.

Mystras: byzantine cobblestone mule street.

Aerial view of Mystras.

Mystras: Panoramic view of the castle-city. Monastery of Pantanassa, the castle and residences.

Aerial view of Mystras.

Mystras: the Palace.

Mystras: Monastery of Perivleptou.

Mystras: SE chapel of the church of Saint Sophia, Fresco depicting the birth of Virgin Mary.

Mystras: Interior of the church of Panagia Odigitria (Afentiko).

Mystras: The Gate of Monemvasia.

Of the same period