One of the most interesting and popular attractions are the ruins of a medieval Peloponnese Mystras, located on the slopes of Taygetos near the city of Sparta.

Mistra was founded in 1249 by decree of the ruler of the principality of Achaea William II Villehardouin. On top of a steep rocky fortress it was built, which became the main residence of the Principality of Achaea in the Peloponnese. Given the constant threat from various invaders, the site was chosen very well, as it provides excellent visibility, allowing you to monitor and gorge connecting with Laconia Messenia. In 1262 the fortress was under the control of the Byzantine Empire. Soon around the fortress (downhill) increased well-fortified town very quickly became an important cultural and political center of the late Byzantine Empire, as well as the main seat of the Despotate of Morea. From 1460 to 1821 in the Ottoman Empire Mistra rules (except for a small period of 1687-1715 years, when the Venetians controlled the Mistra). By 1830, Mystras fell into disrepair and was finally abandoned shortly.

Today Mystras, extant variety of excellent architectural, cultural and historical monuments - a real open-air museum. Since 1989, Mystras is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Among the most interesting buildings is undoubtedly note Metropolia Mystras - one of the oldest monasteries in the city, as well as its main religious center. It was here in 1449 was crowned the last Byzantine Emperor Constantine Paleologos IX. Within the walls of the Metropolitan Church of today is very entertaining Museum of Mystras.

No less interesting and the monastery Brontohion from which to have survived only two churches - the Church of Hodegetria or Afendikov with magnificent frescoes 1312-1322 biennium. and the Church of St. Theodore; the only functioning monastery in the territory of Mystras - Pantanassa (XV century) and the Church of St. Sofia, St. George and Evangelistria. Special attention is given and Perivleptu Monastery (XIV century). Unique frescoes decorating its Cathedral, dating back to 1348-1380 years, and are an excellent and also a rare example of late Byzantine art. It should also be noted is still an impressive palace complex built Palaeologus, and the ruins of the old fortress Villehardouin.