95 km. south-east of Sparti, capital of the prefecture of Lakonia, it is situated Monemvassia, a byzantine and venetian castle-city. It was named Monemvassia because of the fact that a long ‘neck’ of land was the only entry in the rocky place. It is connected with the facing seaside of Peloponnese, that is Nea Monemvassia with a narrow strip of land. To reach the rock of Monemvassia you will pass the bridge with the twelve arches. Before entering the castle-city you can observe the walls reaching down the sea and preserve their magnitude. Coming into the city you will be amazed by the narrow stone-paved streets. Here Middle Ages meet Byzantium. Castles and walls, old mansions, old low arches, coats of arms, byzantine icons everything gives the impression of an unreal, imaginary city. The most remarkable churches is St. Anna of the 14th century, St. Nicholas of the 18th century, Panaghia Kritikia, St. Stefanos, St. Paul. Cathedral of Monemvassia is the church of Elkomenos Christ built in the 13th century by the emperor Andronikos the second Palaeologos and restored by the Venetians in 1697. The uphill road leads to the castle, at the top of the rock. In the steepest edge of the rock it is located predominantly the church of St. Sophia built by Andronikos the second between 1287-1328. From the castle the view is fascinating. For swimming you can go to the beaches of Gefyra, the marvellous Xifia, Pori and to other small beaches you will meet. You can also reach Monemvassia by speed ship or ferryboat from Riraeus. Information: Piraeus Harbour Office, tel. +30 210 4226000-4.