Description of Laconia

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Picturesque seaside villages, rich tradition and great people with unique personality are what the charm of the region of Laconia is made of. The mythical place of the heroic Spartans is now a destination that remains still undiscovered by mass tourism. The region offers hotels in the most visited resorts of Monemvasia, Mani and the coastal villages of Gythio, Gerolimenas, Oitylo and many more. Lakonia is famous for the restaurants serving fresh fish and local products.

Video about Lakonia Playlist

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History of Laconia

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The region of Lakonia is home to legends, including the kingdom of King Menelaus in Mycenaean times, the city of Sparta and the spectacular ruins of Mystras, the Byzantine Empire’s last stronghold. The early history of the region has been recorded in Homeric Iliad as the abduction of Helen, King Menelaus’ wife sparked the legendary Trojan War. Laconia became part of the Byzantine Empire and then the Byzantine Despotate of Morea and fell under the Ottomans except from the area of Mani that remained mainly autonomous.

Geography of Laconia

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Laconia is a region situated in the southeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula and its neighbouring regions are Arcadia to the north, Messinia to the west and the islands of Elaphonissos and Kythera to the south. The region spans an area of 3.636 sq. km. and a total population of 100.871 inhabitants. The capital city of the region is Sparta. The highest mountains of Lakonia are Taygetus and Parnon.

Sightseeing in Laconia

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The glorious past of the ancient city of Sparta unfortunately lies beneath the modern town. However, the Byzantine churches and monasteries at Mystras on the foothills of Taÿgetos Mountain compensate the visitors. The evocative medieval fortress-town of Monemvasia in the southeast is a place not to be missed. The area of Mani is well-known for the special local architecture and the harsh beauty of the landscapes formed by rocky slopes and olive groves. The beaches of the area are beautiful and remain undiscovered by the mass tourism.

Useful Phone Numbers in Laconia

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Police of Sparta: +30 27310 26600
Tourist Police of Sparta: +30 27310 20492
Hospital of Sparta: +30 27310 28671-5
Bus Services: +30 27310 26441