I first reviewed Mystras in 2012 while cycling in the area and have just returned. This time the visit was by coach and this had the advantage that we were dropped off at the top entrance and then picked up at the lower entrance. A climb to the castle is worth while if only for the view, but is hard going if you are not fit and do not have suitable footware. The path down is relatively easy and most of the attractions can be visited by short detours off the main path. Wonderful Byzantine buildings in good repair make it a photographer's paradise, so remember the camera!
As part of our visit to Sparta, we spent three hours exploring the ancient hillside town of Mystras. The town overlooks the wide plain on which Sparta was located. Although one can become weary of visiting ancient ruins, Mystras offers something quite different. First is the magnificent location high on a hill. Then there is the variety of buildings in various states of preservation, some remarkably intact both structurally and decoratively including the interiors. Some nuns from one of the old orders still live at the top of the hill, and it is possible to support them by purchasing some of their needlework. The views from the top are wonderful. A considerable amount of uphill walking is necessary and it is not recommended for anyone with any sort of mobility limitations, both medical and physical. Stout footwear is necessary, either good quality runners or walking boots/shoes. Sunscreen, a hat, and a supply of water is essential, especially in hot weather. A visit to Mystras is highly recommended.
We went for the second time this year - the first time was an excursion on a package holiday and we didn't have long enough to see everything we wanted to. We've wanted to go back ever since. This time we were on our own and could spend as long as we wanted, the whole afternoon in fact, and even then we had to miss out a couple of bits we'd visited before. It's not a touristy kind of site, in fact it's not terribly well signposted from the main road at Sparta (otherwise we would have been there earlier!), but the relatively small number of visitors makes it even more magical. They do seem to have a small number of water taps on the site now, but basically the advice given by other reviewers still applies - wear stout shoes and something to shade your head, and take water with you or buy it from the machine near the gate at the bottom of the hill. And go to the loo while you're there! Don't expect to get into the palace building any time soon, either. They were working on it last time we went, 5 years ago, and they're still working on it now.
So happy I was in the area and dropped in to take a look. Very impressive and well worth the 5 euro. Museum is very small but the area is beautifull and there is a lot to see. Unfortunately two of the exhibits were closed but a great way to spen a half day.
We visited Mystras at the first day of our vacation in Sparta. This was a very good start. We started at the bottom when all the way up with 2 small children. We started at 930 and it took us the entire morning. A must go!
The guidebooks all talk at great length about the Byzantine Churches of Mystras. What they don't say is that the Churches of Mystras, awe inspiring as they are, are only a tiny part of this amazing fortified city. We paid only a flying visit here, on our way to Kardamyli and we were blown away by the sheer scale of the site and what we saw. We will definitely have to visit again.
I am a Mistra historian. This is my emotional home. Unfortunately I have become lame in my 70s & it is a difficult place to walk. People with walking issues should be warned.
Of all the archaeological sites visited in Greece, I really felt like we went back in time here. Breathtaking ruins surrounded by gorgeous landscape.
Bring good walking shoes as the hillsides of the city ruins are steep. Great history and worthy of exploration.
If you have 2 cars , enter from upper entrance and move one car to the main (lower) entrance. The whole place is fantastic.