How to visit Sparte, the time of a stay? Here are the 12 essential things to do in Sparte, the ancient rival of Athens!
Sparte... Nothing but the city’s statement brings us back to ancient history. Sparte is the great rival of Athens and the one who challenged the great Persian empire. His sword has found a certain youth on the occasion of the release of the film 300 which retraces the history of the 300 Spartates, led by Léonidas, having fought the battle of the Thermopyles in 480 before our era.
Despite its tragic fate, the city still has a world reputation. However, unlike Athens, Sparta has nothing of the greatness of the city it was once. There are some symbols here and there, especially from Léonidas, and some remains. Sparte is nevertheless located in a beautiful region, close to Mistra, and a magical discovery.
Want to discover this country of Peloponnese? Here are the twelve essential things to do in Sparte!
Sparte byzantine
It was in the Byzantine period that the most important site in the vicinity of Sparte, the city of Mistra was born.
1. Mistra Archaeological Site (Mystras)
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Leonid Andronov
Filed in Unesco World Heritage, Mistra’s archaeological site, which can also be written Mystras, is located a few kilometres from Sparte. It is one of the best preserved Byzantine cities in the world. Founded in 1249 by the Francs, the wonder of Morée, former name of the region of Peloponnese, is quickly conquered by the Byzantines who make it a little wonder.
Today, there are mostly ruins, a testimony of the glorious past of the great Byzantine city of the region. Conquered by the Ottomans and the Venetians, Mistra was not the object of architectural changes. Orthodox churches and monastery are the best preserved monuments. At the top of the hill are the ruins of the castle of the Francs.
Abandoned in 1832, Mistra is the must-see visit to Sparte!
Ancient Sparte
If the ancient Sparte is the one that makes the greatest number dream, unfortunately, its progressive abandonment has left all its monuments to fall into ruins. Today, the remains are few. They guess through statues, some stones and a museum.
2. Acropolis of the old Sparte
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Leonid Andronov
Visiting Sparte without visiting the few vestiges of the ancient city would be a sacrilege! Located north of the new city, the acropolis was rediscovered after excavations in the 1910s.
Despite the absence of important vestiges, we recognize the ancient theatre and its particular form. Archaeologists and historians were also able to identify the temple of Athena at the top. Inscriptions mentioning the Spartan kings are also present. Nevertheless, to guess the power of Sparte at his time, we must close our eyes and imagine...
3. Sparte Archaeological Museum
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Alexandrosmp
Between the time these lines are written and your reading or visit, the museum could be closed for work. But, reassure yourself, it will be improved and will be much better than the current! For if the archaeological museum remains a must to be done in Sparte, it does not sufficiently highlight the treasures of the ancient city.
There are, however, many ancient objects, gathered through the advance of archaeological excavations. With seven rooms, the museum is divided by theme. The bust of Léonidas , dating from the fifth century before our era, is its flagship attraction.
4. Statue of Léonidas
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Marija Vujosevic
We cannot visit Sparte without feeling the soul of King Leonidas! One of the symbols of the city is the imposing statue of the greatest Spartan king. Built in 1968 and three metres high, it is located north of the city.
Its location is not randomly chosen as it is placed just at the entrance of the city’s football stadium. A little like the ancient times where immense statues marked the entrance of the amphitheatre. The statue also looks at the rare ruins of the former Sparte, located just behind the stadium.
5. Tomb of Léonidas
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Kirill Nastasin
Today, it is impossible to confirm whether this location is that of the Mausoleum of Léonidas, who fell in battle against the Persians in the battle of the Thermopyles. Nevertheless, in the eyes of the Spartans, it is here that the remains of the great king, at least in their symbolism.
For archaeologists and historians, this location is all that remains of the aagora of the ancient city. The square is clear, with many benches and cafes around. Even though it would not be the tomb of Léonidas, it is a pleasant place to do in Sparte!
6. Menelaion
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Heinz Schmitz
Five kilometers from Sparte, near the Eurotas River, is guessing the Menelaion. It is a former town near Sparte, whose name is Therapne.
Many excavations were carried out and allowed to clear some ruins. If the archaeological site itself has nothing exceptional, its geographical location offers a magnificent view of Mount Taygète, famous since ancient times.
Modern Sparte
No, the modern city cannot replace the ancient Sparta. Nevertheless, there is a small Greek town in fine little tourist, with its traditions, habits and local specialties!
7. Walk in the city center
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lefteris Papaulakis
Founded in 1834 by King Otto, the modern city welcomed as the first inhabitants of Mistra, abandoned at that time. Visiting Sparte and its city centre is thus discovering a typical Greek city, between techniques of the time and recent constructions.
It is easily entangled with this relaxed atmosphere. While visiting Sparte has nothing extraordinary, one likes the ordinary: drink a coffee or a drink at the turn of one of the many cafes and bars in the city, eat souvlakis and enjoy the atmosphere.
8. Amphitheatre Sainopouleio
Photo credit: Facebook – ΣαÆÆνοποщειο ̄ ̄μφιθELτρο
This is an amazing place! While one might think that this is an ancient place rebuilt, this amphitheatre is on the contrary modern and has nothing to do with antiquity. It hosts many shows during the beautiful days.
Located close to Mistra, the Sainopouleio amphitheatre offers a magnificent view of the surrounding hills. And a little bit of escape to Sparte.
9. Local food
Photo credit: Facebook – ̄νδρομιδάς
You can't visit Sparte without testing local specialties. Locally speaking, the Laconie region is heard because there are no sparta specialities to speak. Besides kicking in the belly would tell the filmphiles!
Laconie is above all famous for its olive oil, produced in high quality and exported. The other local specialty is syglino, a dish based on smoked pork with aromatic herbs. We can also test any other Greek speciality such as mussaka or souvlakis.
10. Koumantarios Gallery
Photo credit: Official site of the Koumantarios Gallery
Among the things to do in Sparte, the Koumantairos gallery is made for those looking for beautiful paintings. This gallery is an antenna of the National Museum of Greece since 1982. The building itself is a neo-classical building of the twentieth century.
There are famous paintings of Greek painters and the gallery honors the city of Sparte by the quality of the works hosted.
11. Olive and Greek Olive Oil Museum
Photo credit: Facebook – Πολιτιστικτικό υδροοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοοο
Visiting Sparte is discovering its largest wealth of its region, olive oil. The city has even dedicated a museum and it is truly an indispensable one to do in Sparte. The visit is fast and we learn the whole process of making olive oil.
Traditional techniques, with cold extraction, remain the majority and the complexity of the work to be carried out. Of course, the visit ends with the shop where you can’t even count the number of bottles of olive oil present!
How do I get to Sparte?
By plane
The nearest airport is Kalamata Airport, located approximately 1h from Sparte. In the summer season, it is normally served by Paris, Lille and Nantes. Throughout the year, a stopover in Athens allows to reach Sparte.
Do not hesitate to consult a flight comparison as Ulysses to find the right combination.
From Kalamata, you can take a bus to the airport to reach Sparte. Nevertheless, it is advisable to rent a car to visit Sparte and its region.
By bus
This is the most classic and, by far, the most economical means of transport if you come from Athens. There are several daily buses for about 3h30 rides.
Where to stay in Sparte?
The new town of Sparte is a small town and it is easy to accommodate in its city centre. You can also choose your hotel or apartment in nearby municipalities, especially near the Mistra archaeological site.
To find your accommodation, do not hesitate to consult a hotel comparison to find the solution that best suits you. Otherwise, you can always rent an apartment Airbnb to experience a more authentic experience.
Regardless of your accommodation, Sparte is a wonderful discovery for lovers of ancient history and Greece in general. Good trip!
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