Description of Monemvasia

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Monemvasia stands on the southern tip of Laconia ready to take you on a fanciful voyage through time and history. Monemvasia is its formal name, Malvouazi to the Franks and Malmsey to the English. No matter how it is named this beautiful seaside castle-town built on a rock is a stone labyrinth which hides a number of surprises. It is among the top destinations in Greece with wide range of hotels and studios for accommodation and restaurants offering both excellent food and views.
 

History of Monemvasia

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The rock was separated from the land after a violent earthquake in 375 AD. In the 6th century AD the Laconians, hunted by the Avarans, built the castle as protection, they built a wooden drawbridge, fortified the walls and lived inside. Venetians took over in 1464 and Turks in 1540 and the decline began. In 1690 it was given to the Venetians and in 1715 it was taken again by the Turks. Monemvasia is considered to be one of the first fortified cities in the Peloponnese which was set free by the Greeks during the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and was finally liberated in 1823.

 

How to get to Monemvasia

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Following the Athens – Corinth highway and head to Tripoli and after Sparta, follow the road to Skala - Monemvasia.

 

Useful Phone Numbers in Monemvasia

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Police in Monemvasia: +30 27320 61210
Bus services in Monemvasia: +30 27320 61752
Medical services in Monemvasia: +30 27320 61204
Port Authorities of Monemvasia: +30 27320 61266