Greece Tours: Monemvasia, the “Gibralter of the East”

Monemvasia is a picturesque walled village off the east coast of Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula, 300 km south-west of Athens. The town sits on the lower slopes of a big rock that broke away from the peninsula during an earthquake in the 4th century. Above the town, on the rock’s flat top, is a medieval fortress. Visit Monemvasia to experience an authentic medieval town and feast on architecture and sea views.

The fortress and town were established in the 6th century as refuge from invaders. Originally, the rock was only accessible by sea, but today a causeway connects it to the mainland. The town and port became a thriving trading center over the following centuries through rule by Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans into the late 18th century. Monemvasia returned to Greek rule in 1821 during the Greek Revolution (independence from Ottoman Empire).

Narrow cobbled lanes weave through the town with its treasure trove of architecture, including over 20 Byzantine churches and many Venetian mansions, representing the succession of rulers. Much of the town has been restored over the last 50 years. A switchback path leads to the abandoned upper town and fortress.

Add a visit to Monemvasia to any of our published or custom Greece tours.