The Peloponnese - Museums and Landmarks

IN MYSTRAS

PALACE OF THE DESPOTS

This impressive complex of buildings was the second most important palace in the Byzantine Empire. It constitutes an excellent example of Byzantine architecture while its elevated position offers a spectacular view of the plain of Sparta.
LOCATION: Mystras 23100

THE CATHEDRAL OF AGIOS DEMETRIOS

One of the most important religious structures in the archeological site of Mystras. It features a mix of architectural styles from the 13th and 15th centuries and it was where the last ruler of the Byzantine Empire was crowned in 1449.
LOCATION: Mystras 23100

THE ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF MYSTRAS

Founded in 1952 and housed in the west wing of the Cathedral of Agios Demetrios, this museum contains an important collection of ecclesiastical items as well as several artifacts from the Byzantine era.
LOCATION: Mystras 23100

THE CHURCH OF AGIOI THEODOROI

Located in the lowest part of the medieval castle city, Agioi Theodoroi is both the biggest and the oldest chapel in Mystras. It features interesting architecture and beautiful 13th century frescos depicting Emperor Manuel Paleologos.
LOCATION: Mystras 23100

IN NAFPLIO

CHURCH OF AGIOS SPYRIDON

This 18th century church is one of modern Greece’s most historically significant buildings as the location where Greece’s first governor was assassinated in 1831. The bullet holes are still visible today encased in a small brass frame by the entrance.
LOCATION: 1 Kapodistriou, Nafplio 21100

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF NAFPLIO

This museum houses a permanent exhibition that includes artifacts from prehistory up to the period of antiquity. Uncover the hidden past of the civilizations that lived in the Prefecture of Argolida.
LOCATION: Syntagma Square, Nafplio 21100

PALAMIDI

This imposing fortress was built by the Venetians between 1711 and 1714. Here, Theodoros Kolokotronis, an important figure of the Greek Revolution, spent 7 months of wrongful imprisonment.
LOCATION: Nafplio, 21100

FORTRESS OF BOURTZI

Literally meaning ‘island fort’ in Turkish, Bourtzi is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Nafplio. Built by the Venetians on the islet of St. Theodoroi in 1473, the castle’s purpose was to protect the harbor from sea invaders.
LOCATION: The Harbor, Nafplio 21100

AKRONAFPLIA

This is Nafplio’s oldest fortification that once housed the entire city within its walls. Walk through the history of old Nafplio and take in the breathtaking views from atop its bastions.
LOCATION: Nafplio, 21100

THE ANCIENT THEATER OF EPIDAURUS

Standing out for its extraordinary symmetry and its incomparable acoustics, the UNESCO listed Theater of Epidaurus is the finest and best-preserved example of a classical Greek theater.
LOCATION: Epidavrou, Tripolis, 21052

IN MESSENIA & OLYMPIA

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF MESSENIA
Located in the heart of the historic center of Kalamata, this museum exhibits Messenian artifacts dating from Prehistoric times up to the Byzantine era.
LOCATION: 3 Agiou Ioannou & Benaki, Kalamata, 24100

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF ANCIENT MESSENE

Built as the new capital of the Messenian people in 370 BC by Theban commander Epaminondas. According to legend, this impressive ancient site was built in just 85 days.
LOCATION: Mavromati, Ithomi, 24002

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF ANCIENT OLYMPIA

One of the grandest sanctuaries in ancient Greece, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games .The adjacent museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts that were unearthed from the ancient site.
LOCATION: Olympia, 27065

NEOKASTRO FORTRESS

Built in 1573 by the Ottoman Turks, this six-towered castle is one of the most well-preserved fortifications in Greece. During the summer months, it also functions as a venue for cultural events.
LOCATION: Pylos, 24001

THE CASTLES OF METHONI AND KORONI

Located less that twenty miles apart, these two great fortresses were also known as “the twin eyes of Venice”. Walk through the castles and experience the profound influence of Venice’s vast maritime empire.
LOCATION: Methoni & Koroni, 24006

IN KALAVRITA

THE MONASTERY OF MEGA SPILEO

Mega Spileo is one of Greece’s most awe-inspiring monasteries. Constructed in 362 AD at the opening of a large natural cave, its eight separate floors are carved directly into the bedrock of Mount Chelmos. In addition to being an architectural marvel, the monastery houses a number of important religious and national treasures.
LOCATION: Kalavrita, 25001

THE MONASTERY OF AGIA LAVRA

Agia Lavra is one of the oldest monasteries in the Peloponnese and is said to be the site where the Greek War for Independence was declared in 1821. It houses a number of important historical artifacts including the revolutionary banner that became the first national flag of Greece.
LOCATION: Kalavrita, 25001