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

Mistra was founded in 1249 by the decree of the Achaean ruler of the Principality of William II of Villehardouin. On a steep cliff top fortress was built, which became the main residence of the Achaean Principality in the Peloponnese. Given the constant threat posed by various invaders, the place was extremely well selected, as it provided excellent visibility, allowing you to control and gorge connecting Laconia with Messenia. In 1262 the castle came under the control of Byzantium. Soon around the fortress (downhill) grew well-fortified city, and quickly became an important cultural and political center of late Byzantium, as well as the main residence of Mystras Morey. From 1460 to 1821 in mistras Ottoman rule (except for a brief period 1687-1715, Mystras was controlled by the Venetians). By 1830 Mistra went into decline and was finally abandoned.

Today Mistra, has preserved a number of great architectural, cultural and historical monuments, is a real Museum under the open sky. Since 1989 Mistra included in the list of the UNESCO world heritage site.

Among the most interesting buildings is, of course, to acknowledge the Metropolis of Mystras is one of the oldest monasteries of the city and its main religious center. Here in 1449, was crowned the last Byzantine Emperor Constantine Paleologos IX. In the walls of the Metropolis today is a very entertaining Museum of Mystras.

No less interesting and monastery Panthion, which has survived to our days, only two churches - the Church of the Hodegetria or Apendice with magnificent frescos 1312-1322, and Church of Saints Feodorov; the only active monastery in Mystras, the Pantanassa (XV century) and the Church of St. Sophia, St. George and the evaggelistria. Deserves special attention and the monastery Perivleptos (XIV century). Unique frescoes that adorn the Cathedral date back to 1348-1380 gg and are excellent and very rare example of late Byzantine art. It is also worth noting still an impressive Palace complex, built by Palaeologus, and the ruins of the old fortress of Villehardouin.