Monemvasia

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Also known under the nickname of Gibraltar of the East , Monemvasia or Malvoisie (Μονεμβασία) is a medieval castle of Greece, coupled at a small town of the same name. Monemvasia is located at the south of the Peloponnese, on the east coast of the names Laconie. The major part of its streets are adpatées with circulation of the pedestrians only.

The rock makes 1,8 kilometer of length and 300 meters height. Monemvasia is in the south-east of the rock, the castle is located on the heights.

The city gave its name to a famous wine in the Middle Ages, the malvoisy, which was exported as far as England.

History

Its name comes from two Greek terms, moni (Μόνη) and emvasia (Eμβασία), meaning the simple entered .

Monemvasia is founded at the 6th century by inhabitants of Laconie fleeing the invasion of the Greece by Slavic people from Northern Europe. At the 8th century, a hospital is built there in order to fight against the propagation of the Peste. At the 12th century, the small town becomes an important shopping mall and maritime, then object of desire.

In 1464, the Venetian ones capture Monemvasia and make a counter of it. Then the Turks conquer it in 1540. Several attempts at Venice to recover Monemvasia show failures, and it is only at the end of a fourteen month old seat that it is taken again, in 1690. Lastly, the Turks take again last once the city in 1715, before this one is not released during the Guerre of Greek independence, in 1821.

Since 1920, the castle is not inhabited any more. But recently, Monemvasia saw an increase in its tourist activity. Many medieval buildings were restored, of which some to make hotels of them.

Bonds

gr. monemvassia
Monemvasia.com - historical and tourist Information
Guide of Monemvasia for visitors
Greek Minsitère of the Culture - Castle of Monemvasia

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