| Off the beaten tourist track and away from the | | | | inhabitants were removed. The site has now been |
| sun, sea and sand holidaymakers, Sparta is the | | | | added to UNESCOs World Heritage list and only |
| perfect place to get a spot of culture while youre | | | | the nuns living in the Pantanassa monastery |
| walking in Greece. The town, reconstructed | | | | remain. A popular place for those on holiday or |
| following the Greek War of Independence, lies on | | | | walking in Greece, Mystra is full of myth and |
| the site of the original Sparta and has a typically | | | | mystery. |
| Grecian laidback feel, thanks to its wide avenues | | | | Taygetus Mountains |
| and large squares. So why not stop off for a | | | | The majesty of the Taygetus Mountains is |
| couple of days in Sparta and make the most of | | | | inescapable. Taygetus itself, standing tall at 2407 |
| the culture in the Laconia Capital. | | | | metres high is one of the largest mountains in |
| The Ancient Acropolis | | | | Greece. Named after Tayget, the daughter of |
| To the north of the modern Sparta, youll find the | | | | Atlas, the rugged mountain looks down upon |
| site of the ancient Acropolis. This extensive site | | | | Sparta and Laconia, tempting all who visit to try |
| takes you back in time and truly shows the glory | | | | to climb it. For anyone on holiday walking in |
| of Sparta. Consisting of the Roman Agora, the | | | | Greece, tackling Mount Taygetus is a definite |
| Church of Christ Saviour, the Temple of Athena | | | | must. Walking in the foothills of the mountain you |
| Chalkionos, the theatre, and many other | | | | will come across olive groves galore, amongst |
| archaeological remains, this impressive site does | | | | other spectacular flora and fauna. However, for |
| not fail to portray the power for which the | | | | nature lovers, the real appeal of the spot is the |
| Spartans were so famous. Offering some of the | | | | birdlife. Lying on a major migration route for birds |
| most fascinating ruins youre likely to see whilst | | | | travelling from Europe to Africa, and covered in |
| walking in Greece, the ancient Acropolis will | | | | dense forest, this mountain is a haven for birds |
| transport you back to the original Sparta. | | | | and birdwatchers alike. |
| Mystra | | | | Sparta has been represented as a powerful and |
| Follow the road eight kilometres out of Sparta, | | | | strong Grecian entity for many years, and today, |
| and sooner or later you will come across Mystra. | | | | with Mount Taygetus looming over it as its |
| A city once enclosed within walls, Mystras history | | | | protector, the modern Sparta still emanates this. |
| is long and complicated. However, today the | | | | Whilst youre walking in Greece be sure to stop |
| remains of its castle, churches and mansions, and | | | | off at Sparta and enjoy the sense of seclusion |
| whats left of the walls enclosing it, remain the | | | | that comes from being off the tourist track. As |
| only example of a medieval settlement left in | | | | you wander around the ruins, let yourself be |
| Greece. Teeming with history and legends the | | | | taken back to a different age that exists to us |
| slopes of this ancient town were declared an | | | | now only in books and on screen. |
| archaeological site in 1921, when the last | | | | |