06-06-2014 14:56

1. Mr Ardamis, tell us a few words about the Ardamis traditional guest house in Monemvasia. Which is its history?

 
Well, it’s worth saying that everything you see here has been rebuilt three times! As a result, we don’t really know the history of the houses. There are few buildings that are under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, like the churches and the public buildings. The majority, however, of the houses are a mystery and nobody knows their age!
We do feel lucky and I’ll tell you why. There’s a suite in Ardamis Guesthouse, where one can see a unique marble well. The Ministry of Culture dates it back in 1200. After some calculations and based on specific chronological facts, this building is sure to stand 800 years! But it doesn’t stop here! According to official sources from the British Museum and in accordance with a photo from 1890, which shows the original form of the building, this specific area has been used many times for different reasons. During the Turkish occupation, it hosted the headquarters of the Castle. Two Byzantine emperors were accommodated, and although unidentified, there’s the suspicion that we’re talking about Andronikos and Constantine Paleologos, who are said to have relations with Monemvasia.
There’s also one more element which makes this building unique and important. In 1974, during rebuilding works, a Byzantine coin was found at the ruins, from the age 711. This coin is really unique and the only found around the world. It’s now kept at the Numismatic Museum of Athens, while we do have here a copy of it!
The magic of the building does not stop here as well. There are characteristic architectural elements that make it even special. First of those, the Tower, which has 14 m. height and 7 windows, but also the veranda of 100 m² and finally the marble well, a copy of which is found at the Museum of Constantinople.
 

2. When did the building started operating as a guest house?

It’s been operating as a hostel for the last 20 years!
 

3. I guess that, during all these years, many famous personalities have been accommodated. Am I right, would you like to tell us about them?

 
Of course! We were honored by their presence, indeed. Mr Anieli, the president of Fiat and Ferrari, visited Monemvasia 19 years ago, arriving in an impressive yacht –maybe the best in the world- as he wished to see the region and the Castle. Anieli finally stayed 6 days, despite his initial plans for one day only! He was accommodated at our Royal Suite, a space of 240 m². Official sources have mentioned –since we were absent- that he didn’t get out of the Suite for the whole of his residence. Among our known guests are also the French Minister of Education and Melina Merkouri’s personal friend, several Ambassadors and Kings, like King Nicholas and King Constantine. The historic building has also been used for TV series filming and many fashion photographies.
We had the honor to guest the Japanese Vogue Magazine and the world reknowed model Leticia, along with a team of 18, for an Armani fashion show.
Apart from the Vogue magazine, there are more than 400 articles written on various magazines, for which one can search and read on the web.
 

4. Tell us about the breakfast. What makes it so unique?

The breakfast is unique, indeed! To tell you the truth, we felt we should create a book so as to explain the products we offer and so we did! Except for the “super food”, always offered to every 5-star hotel, we also serve fresh eggs, honey, “graviera” cheese and many more. In that book we’ve made, we give detailed descriptions to our customers, of what each particular food offers nutritionally.
 

5. I wonder if there is a specific period during which someone should visit the guesthouse. When is it best for someone to come, in order to admire the landscape for example?

This is a tough question… I adore Monemvasia and I believe it’s a blessed place, a perfect destination in any case. The visitor leaves with memories hard to forget... If I had to suggest specific dates, I would say… from 20 of April till 20 of May, as well as October. But, please, consider that as a personal and subjective aspect. It’s just my opinion.
 

6. The history of the area highlights its identity. Now, tell me, could an average economic citizen enjoy a stay in Ardamis hotel?

Our prices are reasonable, because of the economic crisis prevailing worldwide. As a result of this situation, the average working person can surely visit the hotel and taste our hospitality.
The highest price of 160 euros per night is charged for the suite, which is a reasonable price for the facilities offered. This same suite can cost 90 euros per night, if it’s a stay during weekdays and depending on the season (prices are better in low season, as you already know).

7.  ​Ardamis Guest House in Monemvasia It’s worth saying that everything you see here has been rebuilt three times! As a result, we don’t really know the history of the houses.

There’s little to say about that. The tourist who travels to Monemvasia is by far a conscious traveller. He knows the local history, he’s read about us, he has updated knowledge of the destination and he really understands the quality of space and the cultural affairs of our country!

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