Upper Town of Monemvasia
Άνω Πόλη Μονεμβασιάς
The abandoned Byzantine Upper Town on the rock's summit, reached by zigzag stone steps, with ruined walls, cisterns and fortress remains overlooking the Aegean and the red roofs of the Lower Town.
The Upper Town sits on a plateau at the top of a rock about 100 m high. In the Byzantine era it was the centre of nobles and the military and administration, and it was larger than the Lower Town, but it gradually fell into ruin after the 19th century. Zigzag stone steps climb from the north side of the Lower Town for about 15–20 minutes, and you enter through an arched gateway with an iron door. Across the plateau lie remains of houses, large underground cisterns, fortress ruins and wildflower scrub. The castle at the highest point overlooks the Lower Town's red roofs, the causeway, Gefyra and the blue sea, and on the cliff edge to the north stands the Church of Agia Sophia. Entry to the archaeological site is generally free or carries a token charge. Opening hours change with the seasons; in summer it is open during the day and closes around sunset, so check the posted notices. The steps are steep and offer no shade, so climb early in the morning or in the evening, bring water and a hat, and take care near the cliff edges on windy days.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00 until before sunset (varies by season)
Nearby sights
- Hagia Sophia, Monemvasia
- Church of Elkomenos Christos
- Archaeological Collection of Monemvasia
- Lower Town of Monemvasia
- Gefyra
- Gerakas Lagoon
- Kastania Cave
- Pavlopetri