Monemvasia
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 Monemvassia (Μονεμβασία, Μονεμβασιά, Μονεμβάσια) |
|
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 36°41′ N 23°3′ E |
| Country | Greece |
| Periphery | Peloponnese |
| Prefecture | Laconia |
| Population | 4,660 source (2001) |
| Elevation | 15 m |
| Postal code | 230 70 |
| Area code | 27320 |
| Licence plate code | ΑΚ |
Monemvassia (Greek: Μονεμβασία, Μονεμβάσια, Μονεμβασιά), is a medieval fortress with an adjacent town, located on a small peninsula off the east coast of the Peloponnese in the Greek prefecture of Laconia. Remains include the defensive structures, the small adjacent town and Byzantine churches. Its name derives from two Greek words, mone and emvassia, meaning "single entrance". Many of the streets are narrow and are only fit for pedestrians. The bay of Palaia Monemvassia is found in the north. Monemvassia's nickname is the Gibraltar of the East.
The rock is 300 m tall and 1.8 km long. The village is situated on the southeastern side of the rock, which overlooks the Palaia Monemvasia bay. A small hamlet with about 10 houses lies to the northwest. A field of grass covers the northwest and top, accessed by a rocky, zig-zagging pathway. The fortress lies on the north side of the colorful rock, which ranges from grey to peach melon and pink.
Contents |
[edit] Nearest places
- Agios Ioannis in Monemvasia
- Geraki of Lakonia
- Elafonissos
- Neapoli
[edit] Communes
- Monemvassia
[edit] Historical population
| Year | Communal population | Change | Municipal population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | 32 | - | - |
| 1981 | 631 | 599/18.72% | - |
| 1991 | 78 | -553/-87.64% | 3,950 |
From 1981 to 1991, the village had a huge decline in population, one of the places that lost population in Laconia.
[edit] History
[edit] Middle Ages
The founding of the town and fortress of Monemvasia most probably occurred in the 6th Century CE. The town was founded in 583 by people seeking refuge from the Slavic and the Avaric invasion of Greece. From the 10th Century CE, the town developed into an important trade and maritime center. The fortress withstood the Arab and Norman invasions and conquests in 1147. Cornfields that fed up to 30 men were grown inside the fortress.
It was a Byzantine town that existed continuously under the domain of the Empire until 1471, when it was sold to the Pope by the Despot of Morea Thomas Palaeologos (in 1474 Venice captured it.) It was successively governed by Venetians and Ottomans in intervals:
- Venetian: (1470 - 1540)
- Ottoman: (1540 - 1690)
- Venetian: (1690 - 1715)
- Ottoman: (1715 - 1821)
The commercial importance of the town continued until the Orlov Revolt (1770) in the Russo-Turkish War, which saw its importance decline severely.
[edit] Modern times
The town was liberated from Ottoman rule on August 1, 1821, during the Greek War of Independence.
The citadel has been uninhabited since 1920.
In 1971, Monemvassia became linked with the rest of the outside world through a bridge on the western side that connects to GR-86.
In more recent history, the town has seen a resurgence in importance with increasing numbers of tourists visiting the site and the region. The medieval buildings have been restored, many of them converted to hotels.
[edit] Places of interest
- The Church of Ayia Sophia
- Christos Elkomenos Square
[edit] Other
Monemvasia has a school, a church and a square (plateia). There is one bank in the area. Monemvassia also has numerous hotels.
[edit] External links
- Mapquest - Monemvasia - street map is not yet available
- http://www.monemvasia.de (also in German)
- History and Travel Information
- Monemvasia castle
- Archaeological collection of Monemvasia
- Monemvasia guide for visitors
- GTP - Monemvasia
- GTP - Municipality of Monemvasia
- Indexmundi - Monemvasia
| North: Kynouria? | ||
| West: | Monemvasia | East: Myrtoan Sea |
[edit] See also
| Municipalities and communities of the Laconia Prefecture |
|---|
| Asopos • East Mani • Elos • Faris • Geronthres • Gytheio • Krokees • Molaoi • Monemvasia • Mystras • Niata • Oinountas • Oitylo • Pellana • Skala • Smynos • Sparta • Therapnes • Voies • Zarakas |
| Elafonisos • Karyes |
