One of the most interesting and popular sights in the Peloponnese are the ruins of medieval Mystra, located on the mountain slopes of Taygeta near the city of Sparta.
Mistra was founded in 1249 by decree of William II Villardouin, ruler of the Achaian principality. A fortress was built on a steep rocky peak and became the main residence of the Achaian Principality in the Peloponnese. Given the constant threat from various invaders, the location was extremely well chosen, as it provided an excellent view, allowing control of the gorge connecting Laconia with Messenia. In 1262, the fortress came under Byzantine control. Soon a well-fortified town grew around the fortress (down the slopes), which quickly became an important cultural and political centre of the late Byzantine Empire, as well as the main residence of the Despotate of Morea. From 1460 to 1821, the Ottoman Empire ruled Mistra (except for a brief period from 1687-1715, when the Venetians controlled Mistra). By 1830, Mistra had fallen into disrepair and was soon finally abandoned.
Today Mistra, which has preserved a number of beautiful architectural, cultural and historical monuments, is a true open-air museum. Since 1989, Mistra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Among the most interesting buildings is undoubtedly the Metropolis of Mistra, one of the oldest monasteries in the city, as well as its main religious centre. It was here that the last Byzantine Emperor Constantine Palaeologos IX was crowned in 1449. In the walls of the Metropolis today is located a very interesting Museum of Mistra.
Equally interesting and monastery Brontohion, from which only two churches have survived to our days - the church of Odigitria or Afendiko with magnificent frescoes 1312-1322 and the church of St Theodore; the only active monastery on the territory of Mistra - Pantanassa (XV century), as well as the church of St Sophia, St George and Evangelistria. The Perivleptu Monastery (XIV century) deserves special attention. The unique frescoes decorating its cathedral date back to 1348-1380 and are a beautiful and also quite rare example of late Byzantine art. The still impressive palace complex built by the Palaeologi and the ruins of the old fortress of Villarduena are also worth a visit.
