Mystras, Byzantine archaeological site near Sparta, Greece
Mystras is a fortified town on a hillside below Mount Taygetos in Greece, about 6 kilometers northwest of Sparta. The site contains an upper fortress with defensive walls, a palace complex in the middle section, and several monasteries and churches spread across different terraces.
William II of Villehardouin founded the fortress in 1249 to secure Frankish control over the region. Byzantine rulers later took over the site and transformed it into a political and cultural center until its decline in the 15th century.
Visitors walk through courtyards where monks once gathered for daily prayers, and the frescoes inside chapels still draw pilgrims from across Greece. The churches preserve liturgical traditions that continue in regional worship and festivals today.
Visitors should wear sturdy shoes because the paths are steep and uneven. Exploring the entire site requires several hours of walking up stairs and hillside trails.
The wall paintings in the Pantanassa church show secular scenes alongside religious motifs, which is unusual for Byzantine art. These depictions include everyday clothing and gestures from the 15th century.
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