On the southern side of the Peloponnese, there is the modern city of Sparta in Greece, built next to ancient Sparta. The story of the modern founding of this city is interesting. After ancient Sparta declined in the Roman era, another urban center was gradually formed in the immediate vicinity of Mystra and this center developed mainly in the Byzantine era.
However, after the liberation of Greece from the Ottomans, the Greek king Otto ordered the founding of a new Sparta in the 1830s in honor of the ancient glory of this place. This new city was the first city in Greece to be built according to an architectural plan. This city is located on the way to popular places such as Monemvasia, Elafonisos i Githio.
Sparta Greece is a small town on the southeastern side of the Peloponnese, in mainland Greece. Known for its legendary history, Sparta was a military center of society, closed off by mountainous borders from the rest of Greece. The remains of the ancient city can be seen in the immediate vicinity of the city center. In the Byzantine era, the city of Sparta was neglected as a castle town Mistra.
Therefore, a holiday in Sparti can be combined with visits to many beautiful Greek destinations and various activities.
How to get to Sparta?
Accommodation in Sparta
The most affordable hotels are located in the city center, close to all services and facilities. For something more rural, there are also nice accommodations in the villages around Sparta. These hotels in the countryside are surrounded by wonderful nature and are ideal bases for hiking in the region.
The city of Sparta in Greece - Sights
Sparta is a wonderful city known all over the world for its ancient history. Today, Sparta is a small but modern city. Although tourism is not very developed there, it attracts many visitors due to its history and proximity to the beautiful destinations of the Peloponnese.
The most interesting locations in Sparta are two museums, both located in the city center: Archaeological Museum in which there are excavations from the ancient city of Sparta and the Museum of Olive Oil, which tells about the tradition of pressing olive oil, because Sparta is a region rich in quality oil. In the immediate vicinity of Sparta is the Byzantine castle of Mistra, one of the strongest cities of the Byzantine Empire in the Middle Ages.
Archaeological Museum - City of Sparta in Greece
The Archaeological Museum of Sparta was built in 1874 by the architect G. Katsaros. Later in 1930, two more rooms were added to the main building. The museum is known for its archaeological exhibits excavated in and around the city of ancient Sparta, one of the most famous city-states of Greek antiquity.
The museum has a number of valuable archaeological collections ranging from prehistoric to Roman times. Some of the prehistoric samples came from all over Laconia and Arcadia. Important categories on display include prehistoric collections, Roman sculptures, mosaics and columns from ancient temples.
A very important collection shows part of the Temple of the Goddess Artemis. The temple dates back to the 10th century BC. The remains of the temple reveal the rich spiritual values that Greece has preserved from the ancient era. Artifacts found in the temple are made of different types of materials, including ivory, clay and stone. The museum also includes parts of the Temple of Apollo in Amyklos.
Moreover, the museum houses a collection of clay amphorae from the 7th century, which are characterized by relief decorations. The stele is another important exhibit on display in the museum. It is an exhibit of the Laconic type, dating from the 6th century BC. There are figures of couples on both sides. On one side is Menelaus with Helen, and on the other is Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. There are snakes on the narrow ridge that separates the two faces.
The museum reveals that there was a rich Spartan culture in ancient Greece. The mosaic samples found in the museum, especially the one depicting the head of Achilles, speak to this. Many Greek mythological characters can be seen on the mosaics, such as the god Helia, the god of the sea Triton and the abduction of Europa by Zeus. The museum is located at 71 Osiou Nikonos Street.
Wide selection of houses, apartments and villas for vacation that provide unforgettable experiences and amenities, including more space and added privacy, for less money than a traditional hotel accommodation.
Olive Oil Museum - City of Sparta in Greece
The Olive and Greek Olive Oil Museum is located in the center of Sparta and aims to highlight the importance of the olive in Greek and Mediterranean culture. This is a history course on olives and olive oil from prehistory to the present day, with a special emphasis on the economic importance of this product for each era.
This museum, founded by the Piraeus Banking Group Cultural Foundation, is strategically located in the center of Laconia, one of the best olive producing regions in Greece. On the upper floors, visitors can see the first evidence of the existence of the olive tree in Greece, its contribution to the economy of societies from prehistoric times to the 20th century, as well as its role in nutrition, health and body care. The symbolic dimension of the olive in religion, customs and art is also specifically mentioned.
The ground floor is dedicated to the development of olive oil production from antiquity to early industrial times. Visitors can see post-Byzantine oil machines and an animal-powered olive oil press from the early 20th century. Also, emphasis was placed on the revival of motorized presses for olive oil (water, steam, diesel and motor driven). A special section is also devoted to the use of olive oil in domestic and industrial soap.
In the open courtyard of the museum, there is a permanent exhibition in which prehistoric, Hellenistic and Byzantine olive oil presses are presented. This museum is part of the Mediterranean Olive Museums group.
Villages of Sparta
Although Sparti is mostly known for its ancient history, the beautiful nature surrounding the city is also worth visiting. There you will find quiet villages that still preserve the traditional way of rural life, far from mass tourism and modern lifestyles. Some hotels and accommodation are located around these villages. .
City of Sparta
Sparta is the capital of Laconia, the eastern Peloponnese. It is located in the middle of a beautiful valley, in the same place where the ancient site was found. Sparta is a modern city built in the 1830s according to an architectural plan. In fact, it is one of the few cities in Greece that are based on a plan, which is why there are enough squares and wide streets.
In ancient times, Sparta was a powerful city-state, known for its brave soldiers and a strong army that held the rest of Greece. Near the city there are sights of old Sparti, and among them is a monument Leonidas and the Archaeological Museum with numerous finds and treasures from that time.
Today, the modern settlement of Sparti has beautiful buildings, beautiful parks and numerous amenities for tourists. Its impressive landscape, beautiful mountains and lush greenery are worth seeing.
Geraki village in Sparta, Greece
Geraki is located 40 km east of Sparti. It is a beautiful village built at the foot of Mount Parnonas, on the site of the ancient city of Gerontrai and a medieval settlement. In fact, a medieval castle on the hill above the village, built in the early 13th century, while the region was under Frankish rule. The village of Geraki has valuable architecture and a long tradition in weaving. Because of its castle and rich history, it is called Little Mistra. .
Krokis village in Sparta, Greece
Crokis is a small town located about 29 km southeast of Sparti. Crokees has a rich history dating back to ancient times. In antiquity, Krokees was famous for its mines that produced Krokean stone, a beautiful dark green volcanic stone, used to decorate vases, walls and public baths.
In Crocees Square you will find a marble fountain depicting the Dioscuri, brothers of Helen of Troy, who were the ancient patrons of the city. Today, Krokees has around 1,300 permanent residents and a beautiful architecture characterized by its red roofs. Note also that Krokis is the birthplace of an important Greek poet of the 20th century, Nikiphoros Vretakos.
The village of Selassia in Sparta, Greece
Selous Selassie is the head of the municipality of Enountos and is located about 15 km north of Sparti. It is a beautiful, mountain village surrounded by huge olive groves. The area is famous for growing olives and its production is considered one of the best high quality olive oils in Greece.
In fact, most of Selassie's inhabitants make a living from olive oil production. That's why a big festival dedicated to olives and olive oil is held there every August. The festival lasts three days and includes exhibitions of olives, talks about their production and cultivation and, of course, traditional Greek music and dance.
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