In Monemvasia Upper Town
The gate of the Upper Town
The rock of Monemvasia is so high and steep that it looks inhospitable. And yet up there is a whole ruined city, deserted with no visitors, nor restored and touristic like the Lower City. One reason to visit it is if you like hiking and wild landscapes and if that is the case then it is a very good idea to visit it.
From the Lower Town you go up the arched gate to the bell tower to the square with the cannon, there is no signpost. A fortified winding road goes up, the "Walk" as it is called. The climb requires physical effort and not everyone can climb or navigate the rock because the terrain is rough. On top of that it's the sun and the wind that make the effort difficult.
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During the Byzantine period it was the administrative and military center of the castle state with the residences of lords and nobles located there, there was no commercial or other activity. From the first venetian rule it gradually ceased to be inhabited, while in the second turkish rule, Ottoman officials and the garrison lived there. With the establishment of the greek state it was used as a prison.
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Reaching the Upper Town the first contact is with the impressive fortification of the gate which is truly impregnable. The gate complex has been restored but the wooden door is original and visibly worn by time. The Ottoman traveler Evliya Celebi (1688) describes the inside of the gate as a guard station with walls decorated with weapons. The partially restored temple is a photo spot.
Agia Sophia
The church Agia Sophia is the main attraction on top of the rock. It is located on the edge of the cliff and the view is breathtaking. Very carefully I looked down at the sea but I do not recommend that you do so. It was built in the 12th century and tradition links it to the byzantine emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos (1282 - 1328).
It was dedicated originally to Panagia Odigitria but after 1821 it was dedicated to the Wisdom of God because it was considered a faithful copy of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. The sculptural decoration and frescoes date back to the late 12th - early 13th century. The entrance to Hagia Sophia is free and the opening hours are from Friday to Monday 8:30 - 15:30.
The view of the Lower Town and the sea is impressive from every point of the rock. If you move away from Agia Sophia the landscape is harsh and for that reason do not forget that the purpose of its habitation is in the event of a siege to last as long as possible, as was the case with all castles. For this reason there are also three large cisterns for the collection of rainwater, Catergo or Galeazza, Karavi or Galera and Keratsini or Bastarda.
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What stands out on the rock are the perimeter fortifications, the Ottoman mausoleum and the Acropolis, a square Byzantine fortress with towers at the four corners, this can also be seen from Monemvasia new town.
