The easternmost peninsula of the Peloponnese is called the Malea Promontory and it is here where we find the beautiful fortified port town of medieval Monemvasia. Due to the huge natural rock formation which protects it, Monemvasia has been called the 'Gibraltar of Greece'. The town is virtually impregnable as this formation is connected to the mainland by a man made causeway. Its two ports made it an excellent trading center and offer refuge to sailor who fear the well known storms and rocks of the southern Peloponnese.
Up until 600 years ago Monemvasia was famous across Europe for its excellent local wine know as Malmsey or Malvoisie. This fruity, dark wine came from the surrounding Malea area's unique grapes but later from other parts of Greece, most notably Crete.
For many centuries, due to its fortified port facilities, Monemvasia remained the broker and expediter of this fine wines transport west. 150 years ago pirates still preyed upon the weak in these waters!
As no vehicles are permitted within the narrow streets, those visiting Monemvasia must walk along the short causeway to enter the town. On approach the town remains well hidden and all one may see is the huge mass of looming rock until passing through the gates at which point you will suddenly see revealed before you the the blue Aegean Sea and a dark narrow street.
Pedestrians will next enter the small courtyard of the Church of Christ in Chains and only then be able to appreciate in full the uniqueness of the towns location. The old town floats above and higher still, the great Castle with its forbidding battlements. Predominantly Byzantine flavor, the architecture has undergone many subsequent alterations and additions. Up until 1246 this strategic place, which commands the Aegean from the west, was controlled by the Byzantines.
With the sack of Constantinople it fell to the Frank (Frenchman) Guillaume de Villehardouin who allowed Monemvasia self-rule and self taxation with sworn fealty. Later it was re-conquered by the Byzantines, the Turks, the Venetians and even the Pope for a brief period.