Mystras occupies a panoramic site on the spur of the severe Taÿgetos range. Founded by the Franks in 1249, it soon passed to the Byzantines, under whom it became a town of 20,000 and, after 1348, the seat of the Despots of Morea. The despotate acted semi-independently and had become the last major Byzantine cultural centre by the 15th century, attracting scholars and artists from Italy and Serbia as well as Constantinople. One result was the uniquely cosmopolitan decoration of the Mystras churches--their pastel-colored frescoes, crowded with detail, reflect Italian Renaissance influence.
This was a major hiking day. I am glad we have two mountain goats.
Ruins of the Despots' Palace
At the very top, we climbed up to the top of the wall, peered over, and this is what we saw.
Beautiful day, beautiful scenery, beautiful flowers...
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