The Palace Church

 A few more snippets from our Mystras trip.

 Agia Sophia, the palace church, was built between 1350-65 and is situated near the Mystras palaces. This is where the emperor and the court would attend mass and religious functions.

(Some interesting information on Christian monasteries during the Byzantium era from a sign found on site.)

The once-brilliant frescoes inside the church have not survived the centuries unscathed (they were whitewashed under Turkish occupation and the church turned into a mosque) but even in their deteriorated state, they are amazing. This one is the best pictures I took of the interior. 

And here's a view from above.

Some links for you: 

Mystras, more Mystras, Byzantine citadel map (Agia Sophia is No.11), archeological site, images of the palace church , the palaces of the Despot, Mystras engraving of 1686, amazing pictures of the Peloponese.

Linked to:
The Dedicated House, Homework

Trekking Up To Mystras Castle

Last weekend was a long weekend for us here so we had the opportunity of taking a little trip. Among other wonderful sites we went to the medieval fortified town of Mystras or Myzithras.

To get to the very top of the mountain, to Villehardouin's Castle you have to hike up winding, cobbled paths, ascend centuries-old steps, go through magestic arches and try not to forget to look back and take in the magnificent views behind you.

I have so many pictures of amazing historical sites and rugged natural beauty that I want to share! I hope I can restrain myself from posting too many in the days to come.....

Linked to:
Homework, I Heart Naptime, Maybe She Made It