Monday Wanderlust

Malvasia

Almost a month ago we had the pleasure of visiting Monemvasia, a small island -and town- off the east coast of the Peloponnese and yet another magical place where the feeling of having been transported back through time is intense.

I haven't sorted and edited most photos yet -there are numerous- but these are a sneak peek of what this amazing place looks like.

Upon entering the medieval town you imediately start meandering through narrow little alleyways as seen in the pictures. The feeling is breath-taking and treking up to the fortress on the top of the hill is an experience not to be missed.

 I will be back with more photos and information about Monemvasia - also known as Malvasia. 

In the meantime, here are some links to incredible photos, breathtaking views and history, some more amazing history, all sorts of info on modern-day Monemvasia and maps of the island and the city, both Byzantine and modern.

Linked to:

Natasha In Oz, The Dedicated House, Annemarie's Haakblog

Dusk

It's summer and the heat is sweltering.

There's nothing for it but to stroll by the seaside come dusk....

Pictures taken at Gytheion, a picturesque seaside town in the lower (Southern) Peloponnese on a recent trip.

Linked to:
Natasha in Oz, The Dedicated House

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

Etsy Favourites - Wanderlust

Wanderlust Art Print - TwoBrushesDesign

Washington DC Skyline Art Print - ArtFilesVicky

Travel Journal - AshleyCaitlinCrafts

Bon Voyage Card - EmmaMooreID

Wanderlust Necklace - TravelDrifter

Greece Vintage Travel Poster- Blivingstons

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

Monday Moodboard - European Tour

1. Paris Rooftops Print by EmelePhotography
2. Thassos, Greece - Set of 3 Fine Art Photographs by Starry Blue Sky
3. Dusk in Siena- Original Fine Art Photograph by Stephmel
4. Urban Peace over the Brussels Roofs by  MyMonography

Monday Mooodboard is a game played by the members of the European etsy Team every Monday.   The moodboard is a selection of items from the team that reflect your mood at that particular day.  It's lots of fun!
Anyone in the team can join in. Just link your very own moodboard to the host of the game: StarOfTheEast.