Day 9 - Mystra - "Wonder of the Morea"
“A society grows great when old men plant trees
whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
– Greek Proverb -
whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
– Greek Proverb -
Mystra is a beautiful, ancient Greek fortress city built high above ancient Sparta.
Time seems to be stopped at this ancient site. At one time, Mystra was a busy commercial and intellectual centre but today, all that remains are beautifully restored churches in which only Greek Orthodox nuns (and cats) now reside. Definitely worth the hike because the views of the valley from the fortress are stunning! |
Frescos
The frescos in the main church, dating between 1348 and 1380, are very rare.
They include:
The marble-floored church has a dome in the centre featuring the depiction of Christ. |
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Convent of Pantanassa
Back on our bus!
We headed to Sparta for a delicious home-cooked Greek meal, at a family-run restaurant.
The King Leonidas statue - Hero of Sparta! This bronze statue commemorates Leonidas, who died during the battle against Xerxes 1 of Persia. The Persians attacked and told the Spartans and their allies to lay down their weapons. In response, Leonidas is said to have stated, 'Molon labe' ('Come and get them'). This is inscribed on the monument. |
Nafplio
After our lunch stop we drove to Nafplio.
Set high about the town, the hotel provided fresh, home-made lemonade on an outside terrace surrounded by flowers and lemon trees.
Tonight our group enjoyed a wine and ouzo tasting held just for our tour.
Set high about the town, the hotel provided fresh, home-made lemonade on an outside terrace surrounded by flowers and lemon trees.
Tonight our group enjoyed a wine and ouzo tasting held just for our tour.