Monemvasia:

Near the most southeastern point of Peloponnese, a small island is rising from the waters; a dry strip of land connects it with the mainland, with the bridge. This is the name of the new town that extends along the shore, across the fortress of Monemvasia. At the Castle town of Monemvasia with the one and only entrance (Moni- Envasia) (Single Entrance), you live in a dream. This is the place where time has stopped and the Middle Age, the Byzantine era co-exist with the present. Along the narrow cobblestone pathways, the two stone story aristocratic residence and churches of the Byzantine era make their presence perceptible.
The New town is connected with the old castle town, with a single strip of land. This 500 meter long road, leads directly to the gate of the fortress. Once entering the castle we find ourselves in another era, the era when the Normans first attempted to conquer this fortress, during 1147 without success. But during 1249 it was conquered by Gulielm Bileandrouino. After a siege, which lasted for three years, it was conquered again on behalf of the Byzantine Empire.During the year 1460, ownership was transferred to the Pope and after that it was occupied by the Venetians until 1550. During 1715 it is conquered by the Ottoman Empire and was finally liberated at 1823.
Within the Fortress there are almost 40 churches. The church of Jesus Elkomenous, the church of the Agia Sofia (The same as that of Constantinopolis) , the church of Agia Anna, and the church of "Xrisafitissas" Virgin Mary are some of the worthnote in the Fortress.Many of the stone-built homes, which today operate as rooms to let, form tunnels, which cross with staircases and centuries old plantation, in a magical view accessible to the tourist via land or sea. Having Monemvasia as a base it is possible to take daily excursions to Mistra (1 hour), Areopolis (1,5 hours), Mani (1,5 Hours), Diros Caves (1,5 Hours), Neapoli (1 Hour), Elafonissos (1 Hour)