Monemvasia

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Monemvasia (Greek: ??????????), or Malvasy, 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, monem and emvasia, meaning "single entrance". Many of the streets are narrow and are only fit for pedestrians. The bay of Palaia Monemvasia is found in the north. Monemvasia's nickname is the Gibraltar of the East.

Related Topics:
Greek - Medieval - Peloponnese - Greek - Prefecture - Laconia - Byzantine - Churches - Palaia Monemvasia - Gibraltar

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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.

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