MONEMVASIA
Monemvasia is castle dreams and stunning visuals
Imposing Monemvasia is all about castle dreams and stunning visuals. Corseted by the teal waters of the Aegean, marooned on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by a tangle of stone houses, it could easily resemble a very Greek, medieval and asperous Mont Saint-Michel. Think jagged cliffs rising hundreds of meters above the sea, linked to the mainland by a single highly secure causeway. The medieval village is shawled within the walls of its fort, and the modern mainland village just across a stone tunnel. There are few locals left on the 'violet rock' as the locals who still seem to believe in Neraides (or sea nymphs) fondly call the medieval village. The egg-shaped whitewashed cave in the cliffs that is a Byzantine chapel was believed to have a connection to the enchanted well near the sea (tradition says a woman drinking from the well will have a son). An icon belonging to a nearby town was found in the cave, twice, rumored to have flown there of its own volition. Myths and legends go on every step of the way across Monemvasia, some so enticing that once the visitor begins to mix with the locals may spend entire days listening. ONE OF OUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITES: KINSTERNA MONEMVASIA from CONDE NAST TRAVELLER Cloaked in the citrus-scented hills, the dotted facade of Kinsterna Hotel is only about four miles away, and just as romantic. Restored to perfection and brought back to its heyday glory, the 500-year-old mansion is named for a Byzantine cistern system that still snakes through the property, sidestepping a lone orange tree and spilling spring water into an angular pool. Lounge chairs set up in stone alcoves welcome guests to bask in the stillness and gaze at the sea (only a 15-minute walk away). Interiors subtly bridge the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian phases of the building’s checkered history. Soothing pale grays are jazzed up by a mix of old and modern: richly textured kilims and antique chests, gold Kartell lamps and transparent Ghost chairs. Treats abound: Champagne is standard at breakfast, the first raid of the minibar is free, and there’s a hot tub outside the sultry little spa. If you can muster the energy, explore the hiking trails on the grounds; the likable staff will pack you a picnic.
Photo Credits: Sotiris TsakanikasPremium Monemvasia Wedding Planning Services?
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