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Mystras Palace

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Palace of the Despots in Mystras is one of the most significant surviving examples of Byzantine secular architecture. Mystras itself was the capital of the Despotate of the Morea in the 14th and 15th centuries, a flourishing center for art, science, and religion. The palace complex was built over several generations on a plateau of Mount Taygetos and served as a residence for the sons of Byzantine emperors. The most impressive building is the grand throne hall, which stands out with its wide arches and majestic facade. After the fall of the Byzantine Empire, the palace remained partially in use under Ottoman and Venetian rule but fell into decline after the founding of modern Sparta in the 19th century. In recent decades, extensive restoration work has been carried out to restore the glory of the Byzantine era. Today, Mystras is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has visitors a journey through time into the final phase of the Eastern Roman Empire, with its churches and fortifications.

Location: Greece
Top sights: Metropolis · Evangelistria · Saint Theodores
Nearby: Sparta (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	7	7	9	13	18	23	26	26	22	17	12	8
Rain mm	98	80	55	30	23	21	13	8	36	56	86	100

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Palace of the Despots in Mystras is part of the archaeological site and is open to visitors. You can view the exterior façade and some interior rooms that are partially restored.

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Typical hours

The opening hours follow those of the entire Mystras site, typically 8:00 am to 8:00 pm in summer. As part of the site, the same hours apply.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in the palace area, but without flash to protect the delicate wall paintings. Tripods are only permitted with special permission.

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Time needed

For the palace alone, about 30 to 45 minutes suffice. Combined with the whole Mystras site, plan for three to four hours.

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Combine with

The palace is just one part of Mystras, so exploring the entire ruined city is recommended. The city of Sparta with its attractions is also easily reachable.

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Getting there

The palace is located within the Mystras site, accessible via the main entrance. Access is on foot from the parking areas at the lower or upper gate.

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Insider tip

Visit the palace early in the morning when the light beautifully illuminates the façade. The upper floors offer an excellent view over the valley.

Geography

Coordinates

37.07610, 22.36860

Facts

Mystras was founded in 1249 by William II of Villehardouin.
The palace complex was built between the 13th and 15th centuries.
Constantine XI Palaiologos was crowned emperor here in 1449.
Mystras was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989.
The throne hall has a length of 35 meters.
Extensive restoration was largely completed in 2020.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mystras<1 km · SWExplore →

Sparta5 km · EExplore →

Mount Taygetos14 km · SExplore →

Kalamata23 km · WExplore →

Kardamyli24 km · SWExplore →

Stoupa27 km · SExplore →

Aghios Dimitrios30 km · SExplore →

Messini32 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Mystras Palace (9)

Metropolis

Byzantine church in Greece, dedicated to Saint Demetrius.

Evangelistria ⛪ church

Byzantine church in Mystras, Greece.

Saint Theodores ⛪ church

Orthodox church in Sparta Municipality, Greece.

Brontochion Monastery⛪ church

Byzantine monastery in Mystras, Greece.

Mystras🏰 castle

Castle ruins in Mystras, Greece.

Gate of Nafplio

Ruins of a gate in Mystras.

Pantanassa Monastery

Byzantine monastery in Mystras, Greece.

Archaeological Site of Mystras

Fortified medieval city in Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece.

Villehardouin Castle🏰 castle

Medieval castle in Greece, built by the Villehardouin family.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the palace located in Mystras?

It is located on the plateau of the upper town, right below the fortress.

Is the palace open to visitors?

After years of restoration, parts of the throne room and the buildings are open to the public again.

Who lived in this palace?

The Despots of Morea, often sons or brothers of the Byzantine emperors.

What architectural styles can be seen here?

A mixture of late Byzantine architecture with noticeable influences from Western Gothic and Renaissance.

Do you have to pay extra for the palace?

No, entry is included in the general admission ticket for the entire archaeological site of Mystras.

Mystras Palace: where is it located?

Mystras Palace is located in Greece.

Mystras Palace: what is there to see?

Highlights include Metropolis, Evangelistria, Saint Theodores.

Mystras Palace: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

Mystras Palace: why is it worth visiting?

The Palace of the Despots in Mystras is one of the most significant surviving examples of Byzantine secular architecture.

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Mystras Palace

Best time to visit & climate