GREECE PELOPONNESE LAKONIA MYSTRAS

Next to the Peribleptos church stands an astonishlingly well-preserved Frankish tower of the 13th century originally used as a refectory.

Leaving Peribleptos there is a nice but arduous climb past breathtaking medieval ruins to the palace of the Despots of Mystras, the dynasties of Kantakuzenos and Palaeologoi. The large L-shaped complex of buildings was begun by William de Villehardouin in 1249 and continued until the 15th century by the various rulers of Mystras, actually establishing it as the second capital of the Byzantine empire.

Below: A view to the Frankish castle built by William II de Villeharduin in 1249, later extended, and a refreshment in modern Mystras.