Mystras Greece - Travel and Tourist Information https://www.greekboston.com/category/mystras/ Est. 1998 - For Greeks To Support Local Greeks Thu, 07 Jul 2022 17:05:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://e498h76z5mp.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gb-192.png?lossy=1&quality=65&resize=32%2C32&ssl=1 Mystras Greece - Travel and Tourist Information https://www.greekboston.com/category/mystras/ 32 32 65888807 Mystras, Greece Weather: Temperature and Climate https://www.greekboston.com/travel/mystras-weather/ Fri, 24 Sep 2021 13:48:23 +0000 https://www.greekboston.com/?p=88280 Mystras is a fortified town that is located near ancient Sparta. It is situated on the slopes of Taygetos Mountain. The area is surrounded by greenery that is made up […]

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Mystras is a fortified town that is located near ancient Sparta. It is situated on the slopes of Taygetos Mountain. The area is surrounded by greenery that is made up of mainly cyprus trees and pine trees.

Hot season in Mystras, Greece runs from June to September with the dry period runninf from June to August. The coldest month in Mystras is February and the wettest month is December.

This weather forecast in Mystras, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data. Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Mystras, Greece:

January

  • Temperature: 41° F (5° C) – 59° F (15° C)
  • Precipitation: 90 mm
  • Climate: 15.3 days of rain on average, 5.5 days of snowfall on average (134 mm), 10 hours of daylight per day, 5.3 hours of sunlight per day, UV-index 3, water temperature 60.8° F (16° C)
  • Humidity: 83%

February

  • Temperature: 41° F (5° C) – 59° F (15° C)
  • Precipitation: 71 mm
  • Climate: 14.2 days of rain on average, 4.9 days of snowfall on average (119 mm), 10.9 hours of daylight per day, 6.8 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 3, water temperature 59° F (15° C)
  • Humidity: 81%

March

  • Temperature: 42.8° F (6° C) – 62.6° F (17° C)
  • Precipitation: 63 mm
  • Climate: 15.4 days of rain on average, 2 days of snowfall on average (52 mm), 12 hours of daylight per day, 7.7 hours of sunlight per day, UV-index 4, water temperature 59° F (15° C)
  • Humidity: 75%

April 

  • Temperature: 48.2° F (9° C) – 68° F (20° C)
  • Precipitation: 48 mm
  • Climate: 12.6 days of rain on average, 0.3 days of snowfall on average (1 mm), 13.2 hours of daylight per day, 9.5 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 60.8 ° F (16° C)
  • Humidity: 68%

May

  • Temperature: 53.6° F (12° C) – 75.2° F (24° C)
  • Precipitation: 49 mm
  • Climate: 13 days of rain on average, 14.2 hours of daylight per day, 11.1 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 66.2° F (19° C)
  • Humidity: 61%

June

  • Temperature: 59° F (15° C) – 82.4° F (28° C)
  • Precipitation: 46 mm
  • Climate: 11.5 days of rain on average, 14.7 hours of daylight per day, 11.6 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 6, water temperature 71.6° F (22° C)
  • Humidity: 57%

July

  • Temperature: 64.4° F (18° C) – 87.8° F (31° C)
  • Precipitation: 23 mm
  • Climate: 7.1 days of rain on average, 14.4 hours of daylight per day, 11.7 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 7, water temperature 75.2° F (24° C)
  • Humidity: 50%

August

  • Temperature: 64.4° F (18° C) – 87.7° F (31° C)
  • Precipitation: 23 mm
  • Climate: 7.1 days of rain on average, 13.5 hours of daylight per day, 11.8 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 6, water temperature 78.8° F (26° C)
  • Humidity: 50%

September

  • Temperature: 60.8° F (16° C) – 82.4° F (28° C)
  • Precipitation: 47 mm
  • Climate: 12.4 days of rain on average, 12.4 hours of daylight per day, 9.3 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 75.2° F (24° C)
  • Humidity: 62%

October

  • Temperature: 55.4° F (13° C) – 75.2° F (24° C)
  • Precipitation: 56 mm
  • Climate: 13.5 days of rain on average, 11.2 hours of daylight per day, 7.1 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 4, water temperature 71.6°(22° C)
  • Humidity: 71%

November 

  • Temperature: 48.2° F (9° C) – 68° F (20° C)
  • Precipitation: 65 mm
  • Climate: 12.5 days of rain on average, 0.4 days of snowfall on average (1 mm), 10.2 hours of daylight per day, 6.2 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 3, water temperature 68° F (20° C)
  • Humidity: 79%

December

  • Temperature: 44.6° F (7° C) – 60.8° F (16° C)
  • Precipitation: 73 mm
  • Climate: 13.8 days of rain on average, 2.8 days of snowfall on average (103 mm), 9.7 hours of daylight per day, 5.7 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 2, water temperature 62.6° F (17° C)
  • Humidity: 82%

Though the winters can be chilly, summers are known to be warm and sunny in Mystras, Greece.

Find the current weather forecast for Mystras, Greece here:

Accuweather – Mystras, Greece Weather Forecast

Weather.com – Mystras, Greece Weather Forecast

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Attractions to Visit in Mystras, Greece https://www.greekboston.com/travel/attrations-mystras/ Wed, 13 Jan 2021 14:00:19 +0000 https://www.greekboston.com/?p=80731 Mystras is an ancient fortressed village in the Peloponnese. Mystras is located near Sparta and was a very strong castle town during the Byzantine times. In fact, during the last […]

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Mystras is an ancient fortressed village in the Peloponnese. Mystras is located near Sparta and was a very strong castle town during the Byzantine times. In fact, during the last decades of the Byzantine times, Mystras was the second most important town after Constantinople. Mystras, Greece is well-known for its churches, but there are many interesting attractions to visit.

Church of Agioi Theodoroi

Built in the 13th century, the Church of Agioi Theodoroi is located in Kato Hora, the lowest part of Mystras Old Town. The church was built by two monks Pahomios and Daniel. The Church of Agioi Theodoroi is an octogonal type of church that has lateral chapels. The dome of the church is based on eight props and quite spectacular to see.

The church was originally the katholikon of a monastery, but later became a cemetery church. The tomb of Despot of Peloponnese Theodore I is in the Church of Agioi Theodoroi. When you visit the church, you will be able to admire frescoes from the 13th century that are inside.

Palace of Despots

The Palace of Despots is also known as the Palataki Mansion, which means “the small palace.” After Constantinople, it was the second most important palace of the Byzantine Empire. This complex of buildings is located in the Upper Town of Mystras on top of the hill above the Church of Agios Nikolas. The building come various times as its construction began with the Franks and was finished by the Byzantines. The Palace of Depots is L-shaped.

Some of the various constructions are four-stories high and others are two-storey mansions. Each building of the palace has cellars, attics, chambers, and arches. From the Palace of Despots you will experience a great view of the plain of Sparta.

Ceadas Cavern

Located near Mystras, Greece 10 km from Sparta, Ceadas Cavern is a steep ravine that is situated on the eastern side of Mount Taygetos. If you’re looking for a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley of Sparta, this is where you want to be. Legend says that Ceadas Cavern is where ancient Spartans would throw weak and deformed babies who would not be able to grow up to be warriors. Bones found though are only of men of adult age, who are thought to have been healthy.

These men were possibly criminals who were thrown into the ravine as punishment. Still, when you visit Ceadas Cavern, you may feel a chilly breeze that the ancient Greeks believes to be the souls of the babies who died there.

Archaeological Museum of Mystras

Opened in 1952, the Archaeological Museum of Mystras is in the yard of Agios Demetrios Cathedral, housed in a two-storey building. Since its opening, the collections have grown considerably. While it is called the Archaeological Museum, it does showcase sculptures, jewelry, coins, pottery, pieces of fabric, portable icons, and much more. Collections include items from the early Christian era to Post-Byzantine time as well as some older and newer pieces.

Visit Mystras, Greece for a taste of history and natural beauty. There are also plenty of sites to see while here!

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Monasteries to Visit in Mystras, Greece https://www.greekboston.com/travel/monasteries-mystras/ Sat, 02 Jan 2021 20:18:23 +0000 https://www.greekboston.com/?p=82374 Mystras, Greece is located near Sparta in the Peloponnese. Mystras is a castle town that was strong during the Byzantine times and during the last decades of the Byzantine period […]

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Mystras, Greece is located near Sparta in the Peloponnese. Mystras is a castle town that was strong during the Byzantine times and during the last decades of the Byzantine period was the second most important town. Mystras is well-known for the many monasteries and churches. The architecture and frescoes are fascinating to see. Here are some of the monasteries and churches you should explore when in Mystras, Greece.

Pantanassa Monastery

Pantanassa Monastery was founded by the chief minister of the late byzantine Despotate of the Morea, John Frankopoulos. It is unknown the exact year that the monastery was founded, but it was dedicated in September of 1428. Pantanassa donated an icon of the Virgin Mary to the monastery. Pantanassa Monastery is the only inhabited monastery in Mystras today.

The nuns who run it happily provide the visitors with information, water, and benedictions. The interior of Pantanassa Monastery is something to see. You will immediately notice the variety and beauty of the colors. Colorful marble makes up the women’s gallery, the domes, the pillars, the floors, and the arch of the sanctuary. The frescoes of the monastery are painted beautifully, many dating to the 17th century.

Church of Agioi Theodoroi

The Church of Agioi Theodoroi is the largest and the oldest church in Mystras. It is located in the lower part of Mystras Old Town known as Kato Hora. The Church of Agioi Theodoroi was built between 1290 – 1295. The church was first the katholikon of a monastery and then it was a cemetery church. The architecture of the church resembles the Monastery of Osios Loukas in Distomo Beotia.

The dome of the church is quite impressive and as is the interior of the church with its wonderful frescoes. These frescoes date to the 13th century and portray images of Emperor Manuel Paleologos. The Church of Agioi Theodoroi is where the tomb of the Despot of Peloponnese Theodore I is located.

Monastery of Panagia Perivleptos

The Monastery of Panagia Perivleptos was likely built during the 14th century by the first Despot of the Morea, Manuel Kantakouzenos. It was considered one of the most celebrated monasteries of Byzantine Constantinople. The frescoes of the main church date between 1348 and 1380. These frescoes are rare surviving late Byzantine style. The Monastery of Panagia Perivleptos is built into the side of a cliff.

The cave supports the structure of the monastery. The monastery is done in an architectural style known as Mystras style which is common of the monasteries and churches of Mystras. Mystras style is known for being similar to that of a castle. The Monastery of Panagia Perivleptos was built with square stones and inlaid tiles. The frescoes of the interior of the monastery were painted from 1350 – 1375 and are connected to the Cretan and Macedonian art schools.

Visit these monasteries when in Mystras, Greece. You can’t go wrong with any of them!

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Visit the Archaeological Site of Mystras https://www.greekboston.com/travel/archaeological-site-mystras/ Sat, 07 Jul 2018 16:47:53 +0000 https://www.greekboston.com/?p=88994 Mystras is one of the most remarkable archeological sites in the world. Built as a fortress by the Frankish Prince William II of Villehardouin in 1249, Mystras is situated in […]

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Mystras is one of the most remarkable archeological sites in the world. Built as a fortress by the Frankish Prince William II of Villehardouin in 1249, Mystras is situated in the southeastern part of the Peloponnese and overlooks the city of Sparta. As time went by, Mystras became one of the jewels of the Byzantine Empire, renowned for its architecture and contributions to Byzantine culture. Officially recognized in 1989 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mystras is now visited by countless tourists each year hoping to get a peek of the city’s medieval splendor and cultural heritage.

History of Mystras

Frankish forces ceded control of Mystras to Byzantine in 1262, after which the fortress became the seat of government for the Morea, the Byzantine name for the Peloponnesian peninsula. For almost a century, the region was in a constant state of warfare as Frankish knights attempted to regain control of the area. This warfare forced the residents of many nearby cities to seek sanctuary behind the walls of Mystras, increasing its preeminence in the region.

Beginning in 1349, Byzantine emperors established Mystras as the capital of the Despotate of the Morea. The position of despot was given to the sons of Byzantine emperors before ascending to the high throne and continued until the city’s capture by the Ottoman Turks in 1460. Mystras’s time as a royal capital is regarded as the city’s golden era. In addition to longstanding peace, Mystras also saw a flourishing of culture under the despots.

The city continued under Ottoman rule until 1821. During this age, many catastrophes led Mystras to ruin. The city was partially destroyed in 1770 during the Orlov Revolt and looted once again by Egyptian forces during the Greek War of Independence in 1823, after which residents abandoned the city.

Architecture of Mystras

At its height, Mystras was home to some of the finest architecture in the Byzantine Empire. The city’s architecture is a mix of Helladic design, which is rooted in the traditions of southern Greece, and styles popular in the Byzantine capital of Constantinople. Owing to Mystras’s status in the era as a major trade hub, architecture in the city is further influence by Gothic and Romanesque styles popular in the West. Among the finest examples of architecture in Mystras is the Hagios Demetrios, the oldest church in the city and its ecclesiastical capital. Churches like the Hagios Demetrios were adorned with frescoes that art historians of the modern age point to as fine examples of the Palaeologan Renaissance of the 13th and 14th Centuries.

Taking a Tour of Mystras

Tourists interested in visiting Mystras often focus their excursions on exploration of the city’s major ruins. While the city’s churches get most of the attention, experts also suggest visiting other areas, including some of the city’s ancient manors and palaces. In addition to Mystras’s historical significance, visitors to the site are also treated with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside as the site rests on a large hill. The site’s close proximity to Sparta further affords it easy access to any visitor exploring Greece.

The archeological site of Mystras is a gem for those hoping to learn more about medieval Greece and the country under Byzantine rule. While visitors of Mystras will leave with a greater understanding of the city’s rich history, they will also enjoy some of the best preserved ruins in the world while beholding picturesque views of the Greek countryside.

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Visit the Camera Museum in Mystras https://www.greekboston.com/travel/camera-museum-mystras/ Sat, 16 Jun 2018 20:07:46 +0000 https://www.greekboston.com/?p=88946 Do you love cameras? Are you fascinated with the idea that you can capture almost any image on film by simply pressing a button? You’re not alone. Many people have […]

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Do you love cameras? Are you fascinated with the idea that you can capture almost any image on film by simply pressing a button? You’re not alone. Many people have long been delighted at the use of cameras both professionally and as a hobby. They love taking pictures of the things they see as they look around them. Under these circumstances, it’s not surprising that one man has spent a long time exploring the inner workings of this modern tool. Takis Aivalis is a Greek man who admires how much cameras have the opportunity to transform the world as we know it.

About the Camera Museum in Mystras

Takis Aivalis knows that people admire cameras. That’s one passion he has shared. It’s also something that led him to collect cameras. Over time, he was able to amass a large collection of cameras. In fact the Guinness Book of World Records considers his collection to be the largest collection of cameras anywhere in the entire globe. Not content to keep his collection to himself, Aivalis decided it was time to share this with others. That is why he chose to start to a museum that is entirely devoted to cameras.

What to Do at the Camera Museum in Mystras

There are many things you can do at the Camera Museum. It’s a great place to spend time when you’re in the area. For one thing, admission is free. Many people appreciate the chance to do something fun that won’t cost them any money. This is a chance to get a feel for the kind of cameras you can find today. It’s also a chance to have a look at at the history of cameras. You’ll find detailed notes on the many types of cameras here that are easy to read.

Getting to the Camera Museum in Mystras

Visiting this part of the world is very easy. Many people have enjoyed traveling to this area as it has a lot to see and do. The mild climate is also deeply pleasing. This is a good place to visit when you want to enjoy some sunshine in the middle of the summer. You can reach this town in many ways. Most people travel here by heading to Athens first. There are lots of flights that will bring you from other parts of the world directly into Athens. It’s a nice trip from the capital of Athens by car. A direct road is easy to follow and offers lots of scenic vistas along the way. You can also take one of three daily buses into the town and then walk to the Camera Museum.

Greece is one of the most exciting places in the world. Take some time to stop off at the Mystras Camera Museum. You’ll find it an inviting place that allows you to relax and admire the work of a passionate camera enthusiast. This is also a very good place to bring the entire family.

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What to Do When Visiting the Ancient Village of Mystras https://www.greekboston.com/travel/visiting-mystras/ Tue, 27 Dec 2016 22:14:16 +0000 http://www.greekboston.com/?p=59858 Deep in the hills of modern day Sparta, there lies an ancient, fortressed village named Mystras. Located in the heart of the Taÿgetos mountain ranges, this village is one of those […]

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Deep in the hills of modern day Sparta, there lies an ancient, fortressed village named Mystras. Located in the heart of the Taÿgetos mountain ranges, this village is one of those places where time seems to stand still. In fact, time really has stood still – the village hasn’t been inhabited for some time and what remains is now open for visitors. Here’s more information about this village and what you should do when you get there:

Getting to Mystras

If you decide you want to visit Mystras, you have a few options for how to get here. First, you can rent a car when you arrive in Greece at the Athens airport and drive here yourself. Although this is the easiest option, it may not be the best choice for some people. It is also possible to take a bus or even a taxi from any other places in the area. There are actually buses that depart from Athens daily. In the summer, it is also possible to fly into Kalamata, which is a lot closer to Mystras than the Athens Airport. However, the Kalamata Airport is only open during peak tourist season.

Learn the History of Mystras

Mystras has had a rich history, which is one of the major reasons why you should visit here. At one time, Mystras was the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of Morea, which gave it a prominent position in the region. Because it was prominent during the Byzantine era, evidence of this can be found in the architecture and churches that are in the village and the surrounding area. In order to really learn about the rich history of this village, it is a good idea to take a tour if you’re given a choice once you pay the entrance fee. The tour guide will tell you everything you want to know about this ancient place, including the history and the details of each of the buildings.

Enjoy the Gorgeous Scenery

Even if you aren’t necessarily interested in going into detail about the history, Mystra is worth a visit just for its spectacular scenery! If you are fit enough to handle the walk, while you’re on the property, you should hike to the top of the ancient fortress so that you can see the view of the mountains and the village itself. In fact, the whole village is charming and picturesque and lined with gorgeous vegetation. You definitely won’t want to forget to bring your camera so that you can snap a few pictures! In fact, even if you don’t want to hire a guide to show you around, you should still walk as much as you can so that you can enjoy its beautiful.

Back in the 14th and 15th centuries A.D., Mystra was the flourishing capital city of the Despotate of Morea. After that, however, it fell into disrepair. Now, visitors from all over the world flock here to witness this little piece of history.

Source:

Wikipedia – Mystras

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