# Mystras

> Mystras stands on a hill above Sparta, about 6 km north-west of the modern town. William II of Villehardouin founded a fortress here in 1249, and in 1262 it…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/mystras/

A Byzantine hill city of churches, monasteries and a palace, terraced up a slope above the Evrotas plain. Enter from the upper gate to walk downhill, and avoid the midday heat of summer.

Mystras stands on a hill above Sparta, about 6 km north-west of the modern town. William II of Villehardouin founded a fortress here in 1249, and in 1262 it passed to the Byzantines. From 1348 Mystras was the seat of the Despotate of Morea; the Ottomans took it in 1460. From 1832 the inhabitants gradually moved to modern Sparta and the town fell into decay. Today the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1989).

Surviving monuments include the Metropolis, the church of Hagioi Theodoroi, the Pantanassa (1428–1430), the monasteries of Peribleptos and Vrontochion, the Palaiologan palaces and the castle on the highest point. The churches contain late Byzantine frescoes. The site is extensive and steep, so wear sturdy shoes and allow at least three to four hours. In summer, go early in the morning, as midday can be very hot.

- **Nearest town:** Mystras, Greece
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 37.0733, 22.3669

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

**Getting there:**

- **Greece: Motorway tolls.** Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.

## Sources

- [UNESCO: Archaeological Site of Mystras](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/511)
- [Visit Greece: Archaeological Site of Mystra](https://www.visitgreece.gr/experiences/culture/archaeological-sites-monuments/archaeological-site-of-mystra/)
- [Mystras (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystras)

## Featured in these trip guides

- [Peloponnese south: Monemvasia, Sparta, Mystras and the Mani](https://camping-spirit.com/guides/gr-mani-loop/)

## Nearby

- [Ancient Sparta](https://camping-spirit.com/places/gr-ancient-sparta/) – 6 km
- [Kardamyli and the Viros Gorge](https://camping-spirit.com/places/gr-kardamyli-viros/) – 24 km
- [Gythio and Mavrovouni Beach](https://camping-spirit.com/places/gr-gythio-mavrovouni/) – 39 km
- [Ancient Messene](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b16-ancient-messene/) – 41 km

## FAQs

### Where is Mystras?

Mystras is in Mystras, Greece, at GPS 37.0733, 22.3669. It is about 23 km from Kalamata.

### Can you camp near Mystras?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Paleologio Mystras, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 2 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### Which road trips pass Mystras?

Mystras is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Peloponnese south: Monemvasia, Sparta, Mystras and the Mani.

### What is there to see near Mystras?

Places worth a stop nearby: Ancient Sparta (6 km), Kardamyli and the Viros Gorge (24 km), Gythio and Mavrovouni Beach (39 km) and Ancient Messene (41 km).

### When is the best time to visit Mystras?

The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)