Greece has a very long history, with glorious moments and some tough ones as well, with triumphs and trials. A major portion of this history can be found in the Peloponnese that is almost always at the center of events, with it being the southernmost edge of continental Greece and containing some of the most ancient traces of Greek civilization. Not too far from Porto Heli and really close to Sparta, you can find the old Byzantine state of Mystras. During the most difficult periods of the Byzantine Empire, Mystras always remained strong and today it is one of the most interesting archeological sites in Greece. It may be its size, since it is essentially a town with many buildings, with a castle, palaces and churches; it may be the impressive landscape that surrounds it; it may be its naturally fortified position; all these make Mystras a stately figure among the sights of Greece. Mystras may not be inhabited today, but it used to be the most important town in the Peloponnese. Its founding and its importance are closely linked to the capture of Constantinople by the West in 1204. Mystras was founded in 1249 as Castle of Myzithras by the family of Franks that were given the Peloponnese. After that it never stopped being a hub and a point of reference for the region. It used to be the the capital of the semi-autonomous prefecture of Morias during the fourteenth century, and it was also the capital of the Peloponnesian Prefecture during the years of the Ottoman occupation. Mystras was slowly abandoned when King Otto of Greece founded the modern town of Sparta. Today Mystras and its importance are recognized by UNESCO and the town attracts huge crowds of visitors every year. It may be a bit far from other tourist attractions but a trip from Argolida and Porto Heli to Mystra is definitely more than worth the trouble. The ticket is very cheap and you can use it for a whole day, so you can get in and out without fuss. You’ll see sights and buildings that perfectly reflect the history of the country. Some, like the Palaiologos Palace are renovated and in excellent condition, but we believe that the castle ruins along with the many centuries old Byzantine churches, this combination of built stone and natural green, of nature and human intervention with rich history playing the part of the catalyst, can be an awe inspiring experience for every visitor. If you’re at Porto Heli for enough days, then you’ll certainly find opportunities for trips. Argolida has of course its fair share of sights, but if you feel like going on a day trip, then Mystras might as well be your best option. Peloponnese Hotels – AKS Hinitsa Bay
