The rocky hill Mistras or Mitzithras is located in front of Taygetus mountain, at its Eastern edges just beside Sparti. Mistras was the capital of the Moreas area and the last bulwark of Byzantium. Rocks and silence govern the place today. Gates, walls, churches, palaces and mansions speak of its history. Mistras castle city was built in 1249 during Peloponnese’s occupation by the Franks under Vilearduine B’. In 1349 Mistras was occupied by Michael Paleologos, the Byzantine emperor. When captured by the emperor, Vilearduine offered him the castles of Mistras, Mani and Monemvassia to secure his freedom. The castle is situated at the top of the hill, at an altitude of 620 meters. It is surrounded two rows of fortification walls. These, the square stone towers together with the mansions, the houses and the churches create an atmosphere that takes you back in time. One of the most important churches of Mistras is the one of Panayia Pantanassa. Dating back to the 15th century, it is maybe one of the most beautiful Byzantine churches and preserved in excellent condition. Today it operates as a women’s monastery.
Byzantine city, 40 kilometres outside Sparti. The art of textile and domestic weaving were developed in Geraki. The traditional patterns and the quality of the textiles and the carpets are recognized ad praised internationally. A great distinction for Geraki was in 1873, when the Vienna International Export awarded the village’s textiles with a prize. “Ergani”, the Agricultural Cooperative of Home Handicraft and Craft runs an exhibition-shop where one can buy traditional textiles and other goods.
