Sparta

Sparta

Steeped in history and myths, Sparta is a region worldwide famous for its legendary and brave heroes who defeated the Athenians during the Peloponnesian Wars. The modern city was founded by King Otto in 1834, and the city’s urban plan was created from Bavarian architect Stauffert - the region why the city has a perfect architectural design with wide streets and large squares inviting travellers to explore its monuments. Surrounded by the wild beauty of Mount Taygetus, and the verdant slopes of Parnonas, Sparta is also known for its olive production and its important archaeological sites. The modern town is decorated with large squares and a central avenue with palm trees that leads to the center of the city; the Town Hall Square stands out with its impressive neoclassical buildings. 

Top things to do

Visit the Museum of Olive & Greek Olive Oil that highlights the culture, history and technology of olive oil’s production from the prehistoric times to the early 20th century 

Discover Ancient Sparta - built around a hillside, this monument showcases the history of the once administrative and religious center of Sparta with signed paths passing through olive groves

Visit the Koumantarios Gallery of Sparta, part of the National Art Gallery, with a wonderful permanent and temporary exhibition and the Archaeological Museum of Sparta that houses findings from the ancient acropolis of Sparta and the wider region

Explore Mystras, an exemplary fortified town recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site,  that served as the capital of the Byzantines in southern Greece 

Have a tour at Diros Caves, a network of caves on an underground lake - there you can have a boat tour to explore the stalagmites and the stalactites passing through its passageways

Walk around the modern town of Sparta and have a coffee or an ouzo at the main square where the town hall is

Discover the Menelaon, build on top of Prohel Elias Hill - ruins of a sanctuary can be found here that was built in honor of the deified Menalaus and Helen 

Near Sparta, at the top of the hill of Prophet Elias that dominates the eastern side of Evrotas, are the ruins of a sanctuary built in honor of the deified Menelaus and Helen.

Every September, the historical Spartathlon race takes place - it is a 245 kilometer race commemorating the run of Pheidippides from Athens to Sparta