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History:
The castle of Mistras was built in 1249. It was built by the Franks who were trying to establish their rule over the region of the Peloponnese. They chose this site because it was easily defensible as it is inaccessible from the south and southwest where rocky cliffs fall way into a ravine, this made it safe from invasion. Ten years later in 1259, the Franks were defeated by the Greeks at Pelagonia, this forced them to hand over Mistras to the Greeks. Mistras would soon become the center of civilization and Byzantine life in that area. Soon Mistras had a population of 42,000 people. Houses and monasteries were built and the city flourished during the 15th century. It existed as the Byzantine capital of the Peloponnese for two centuries.
Above you will see a picture of a two-headed eagle. This is in the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios in Mistras. It is carved on the floor of the church as the symbol of the Palaiologos dynasty where, according to tradition, Konstantinos stood when he was crowned king of the Byzantine Empire in 1449 before he left Mistras for Constantinople.
Information:
The ancient Byzantine site of Mistras is located about 6 kilometers northwest of Sparta (Sparti). As you approach Mistras (a medieval city built on a steep foothill of the northern slopes of Mount Taigetos), you enter through a castle gate and start wandering up the rocky paths in this ancient city. You are lead up the mountain by the narrow, rocky, worn passageways. As you travel upwards, you pass churches, monasteries and storied houses. One of the most elaborate monasteries at Mistras is the Pantanassa (which can be seen in the picture below). The churches are filled with beautiful icons and ancient frescoes painted on the walls. The summit of Mistras stands 621 meters (2,070 ft.) above sea level. There you will find the great fortress crowning the summit which was initially built as a stronghold against the enemy. If you want to explore Byzantine Greece, you must visit Mistras!
The Pantanassa Monastery:
Ancient Mistras:
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