Mystras, Greece
Who knew?! Today, April 18th is International Monuments Day. We decided to go back to visit Ancient Mystras again, we were there 2 days ago but didn't have time to visit the ancient Byzantine city, monasteries, palace and castle.
So, we headed out in the morning and found ourselves in Mystras just before noon. Most historical places in Greece are open from 8am - 3pm, so we had 3 hours to roam around. Really, we didn't roam. We headed straight up to the top, but did take some time to visit the interesting buildings along the way.
Arriving at the lower gate, we were pleasantly surprised to find that on International Monument's Day, as well as a handful of other days throughout the year, the entrance was FREE! Usually, we expect to pay 12 Euros each, that's about $20 each. So, that was a nice surprise.
Entering at the lower gate, we noticed how different Byzantine buildings and streets were from the Mycenaean castle cities we've visited before. The rocks used to build the walls were much smaller, and often put in geometric patterns and mosaics.
The roads were narrow and made of cobblestones. And there were paths and alleyways throughout. It was like a maze trying to figure out where we were. They didn't use any of the larger marble stones that make up the Cyclopian walls of the Mycenaea which would have been built almost 3200 years earlier. Maybe all the big stones had been used up by the time the Byzantine's arrived and conquered.
We arrived at the top of the castle (called acropolis) and were amazed by the view. We could see the modern village of Mystras below, and off in the distance, Sparti. There, we enjoyed our oranges, which is becoming quite a tradition for us. Just as we started to climb back down to the parking lot, we heard what sounded like a hawk's cry. But, the shrill sound continued and walking a bit further, we noticed that it was a Site employee whistling, advising everyone still left up on the mountain that it was 3pm closing time. Quite a unique way to call everyone down.
Back at our apartment, we showered and had some quiet time, before we go out for supper at 8pm!! Vasili and his wife, Christine, have invited us for a traditional Greek supper tonight.
What an honour!
On a more humorous note, we found out that Vasili is not the caretaker. He's the owner of the Sunrise apartments and the lady, Dorothy, whom we've been dealing with in England is his friend who makes and takes bookings for Vasili! Boy, did we laugh when we got that figured out - I guess it's all in the language.
PS We arrived upstairs in their 3-bedroom apartment for supper at 8pm. Vasili and Christina, and their son Peter joined us. We had a delicious Greek meal of pork chops, artichoke in a creamy sauce, okra and potatoes, salad with tzatziki sauce and for dessert we had cut up apples with honey drizzled over and cinnamon sprinkled on top (Christina would have made cake or apple pie but didn't as she knew I eat gluten-free). The wine was smooth, and the evening finished with shots of homemade ouzo being knocked back. Thanks so much to great hosts and new friends.
Jen
2018-04-18
Just wow!!