Mystras

After our lovely time in the little village (and the sincere owner, a little old man who pretty much spoke only great and wishing us in very careful English a 'very good holiday! While thumping sincerely on his heart to emphasise his point) we meandered our way through mountains and olive groves to Mystras.

 

The road at times wound beneath the rocks.

Mystras is an abandoned medieval village with Byzantium orgins that proved to be my favourite archaeological site so far. We went straight to the archaeological site and spent as long as we could climbing winding cobblestone paths clinging to the mountainside, even though we spent two hours we still didn't see everything but we gave it a damn good try considering it was 43 degrees. 

The little church with its interesting red achrictecture. 

The ancient path that wended its way up the hill, shaded by crumbling walls and twisted olive trees

The modern nunnery, the only inhabitants of this ancient town.

Although we didn't go in, we could see how beautiful it was even at a distance.

We climbed up high to see the 'palace' but it was closed under renovation. The walk itself was worth it for everything along we way. 

Strangely for such a big and beautiful site, we barely saw another soul, and nothing was cordoned off, we could wander at will.

Finally we reached another old church, this one renovated to hold a museum within.

The museum itself was wonderfully cold and we enjoyed our wander around. Amazing there we're remains of clothing still somewhat intact, reflecting the fashions of the time which was wonderful insight. Shyla went nuts over the buttons. 

I went nuts over the books. 

There was also a little church.

We then wandered the garden outside which was equally beautiful. 

I attempted to get artsy with the camera.

There was also an adorable cat

And me posing awkwardly by the exciting wall.