The Byzantine city of Mystras occupies a whole hillside of the Taigetos Mountains. At the summit is the defensive castle, accessed by a steep, rugged track from the Upper Entrance to the site. From the castle there are extensive view over the plains of Sparti.

After visiting the castle I descended past the Upper Entrance, and continued following zig-zag paths to visit the various buildings of the Upper Town. The Palace was closed for restoration, but the nearby churches of St Sophia and St Nicholas with their colourful frescoes were open to visitors.

Descending to the Lower Town I passed the Pantanassa and the church of St Theodore before reaching the Metropolis, a monastery complex including the church of St Dimitrios. Here there are many more frescoes to be seen.