Making the most of Monemvasia
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships tender passengers to a landing close to town (1 km).
This medieval town has more churches than inhabitants and is accessible only on foot or by donkey. A causeway links the island and mainland, while its city gate is narrow and low. The Greek phrase "moni emvasis", meaning "sole entry", gave Monemvasia its name.
On most visits, a shuttle bus runs from the port to Monemvasia's Lower Town for 1 Euro.
Take the printable map ashore.
Monemvassia is a renowned medieval fortress with an adjoining town on a small peninsula off the Peloponnese's east coast. More than forty churches occupy its narrow streets. The largest and most significant is Monemvasia's cathedral, Elkomenos Hristos, or Christ Elkomenos, meaning Dragged to the Cross. It was known for a picture of Christ Elkomenos that Isaak Angelos removed and carried to Constantinople. Emperor Andronicos II Paleologus founded the temple in the 13th century, while the Venetians created its later form in 1691.
Monemvasia originally formed part of the Peloponnese mainland before an earthquake made it an island. A narrow causeway, first intended to limit entry for defence, now reconnects it to the mainland.
The long-abandoned upper town has tight pathways towards Byzantine Aghia Sophia church and the remains of medieval walls and fortress. In lower town, a bell tower guides visitors to Elkomenos Square, its namesake medieval Elkomenos Christos church and a small museum.
Getting around
Old Monemvasia is a citadel separated from the town. Originally an island, it was later linked to the mainland by a viaduct. A hike to the top rewards visitors with wonderful area views. The route is moderately steep, and heavy foot traffic has polished the paths smooth, so wear shoes with a firm grip.
Monemvassia is nicknamed the Gibraltar of the East or The Rock. The formation is 300 m tall and 1.8km long. The rock on which it is built is also described as 300m. high.
Neither public transport nor a taxi is necessary, and cars are prohibited on the island anyway. Walk slowly through cobbled lanes between stone homes and appreciate the peace.
Nearby places
The principal excursion offered by most cruise lines travels to Mystras with a brief stop in Sparta, where there is not much to see. Mystras was the Byzantine Greeks' final stronghold in their struggle against the Ottoman Turks. It too is a high fortress, combining an impressive castle with fine medieval Byzantine architecture.
Money
The local currency is the Euro.
Opening Hours and
Public services trade Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail and specialist shops open Monday to Friday from 9am – 1.30pm and 5pm – 9pm, plus Saturdays from 9am – 2pm. Supermarkets operate Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Tourist and convenience shops generally have no official opening times and usually remain open from dawn to well after midnight during summer.