Western Europe

Findings at this archaeological site were unearthed by the pioneer excavations of the British School of Archaeology starting in 1910. Excavations resumed in the early 1990s, primarily in the areas of the ancient theatre and the merchant stalls. The most significant monuments of this archaeological site include: The Temple of Athena Chalkioikos whose position has been defined by few surviving relics found at the northwest end of the Acropolis. The temple, designed by the architect Vathyklis from Magnesia, had an interior design adorned with copper sheets (dated 6th century BC onwards) to which it owes its name (chalkioikos = copper). From the inscription by Damononos (dated before 430 BC), it seems it was called Temple of Athena Poliouchos (Guardian of the City). Pausanias adds that the temple was left unfinished until Gitiada, a local craftsman, built both the statue of the goddess and completed the temple. The temple also served as a place of refuge for Lycurgus, Pausanias and Agis IV. The ancient theater of Sparta on the south side of the Acropolis is a product of the early Imperial Period. The orchestra, the retaining wall with engraved inscriptions of the rulers of Sparta in Roman times and the concave portion of the large theatre has been preserved. The concave of the theatre was dug into the southwest end of the Acropolis. The retaining wall of the concave is marble and its east side was engraved in the 2nd century AD with various inscriptions. The theatre was used primarily for public gatherings and celebrations. It had no permanent stage. For theatre performances, a wooden, mobile stage equipped with wheels was easily moved into position. Nearly all the findings of the ancient theatre that were discovered by the British School of Archaeology date back to the Roman Era. https://www.exploresparta.gr/tourism/en/the-acropolis-of-sparta/

Today, the Archaeological Museum of Sparta hosts thousands of finds from the province of Lacedaemon, but also from areas of the prefecture of Laconia that are not covered by the Archaeological Collections of Gythio and Neapoli Vion. In its rooms are exhibited findings that cover the time period from the Neolithic to the late Roman era. The most important place is occupied by the findings of the great sanctuaries of Sparta. The visitor of the museum has the opportunity to admire findings from the most important prehistoric sites of Laconia, sculpture works from the Archaic years to the Roman, coming from various areas of the prefecture, as well as findings from the rescue excavations among which have a prominent place, the sections of mosaic floors of Roman times from Sparta. Today, in the seven rooms of the museum (about 500 sq.m.) only a small part is exhibited, part of the numerous finds housed in it and which continue to come to light daily from the excavations of the Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities in the area. of Sparta but also in other areas of Laconia. Due to lack of space, only a small part of the findings kept in it, the most interesting for the scientific community or the ordinary visitor, have been included in its report. The Archaeological Museum of Sparta belongs to the 5th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities. http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/gh151.jsp?obj_id=3305

The Mynicipal Unit of Mystras includes the former communities of Agia Irene, Agios Ioannis, Anavriti, Loggastra, Magoula, Mystras, Paroreio, Soustianoi and Tripi. Nestled in Mount Taygetos and its lowlands, the municipal unit of Mystras offers both relaxation and recreation to visitors all year long. Anavriti also serves as a base for ascents to the summit. Hiking paths and trails include the European E4 trail ascending to the Mountain Refuge, as well as paths to Mystras, Agios Ioannis and Taygeti. From the village of Parori, a 15-minute trek along a path leads to Our Lady Langadiotissa, a marvellous church tucked in a cave, and to the Monastery of Fan¬eromeni. Starting at Mystras, an inviting trail leads to Pikoulianika and Taygeti, as well as Agios loannis of Vouvalon in modern-day Mystras (only 10 minutes from the town square). A visit to the Kaiadas chasm is essential, as is a stroll around the enchanting gardens of the Sainopouleio Amphitheatre, where the construction of a new athletic center is about to break ground. A tour of the springs in Tripi, ie Karvasara, Vasiloneri and the Knakiona springs at the Monastery of Agios Giannakis, is an exceptional experience. The Langada Climbing Park is also worth a visit for the crag climbing adventurer. Other worthwhile sites include the Byzantine bridge of Agios Sostis and the 4 water mills in the village of Agia Irene, the Byzantine churches of the Taxiarches (the Archangels), Our Lady the Virgin and St. Nicholas in Loggastra and finally, in Soustianoi, the Gorge of the Fairy, the Koumoundouros caves and the magnificent church of St. Nicholas. https://www.exploresparta.gr/tourism/en/mystras-sparti/

Leonidas I, the legendary King of Sparta, is best remembered for his heroic last stand at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C. Leading a small force of 300 Spartans and their allies against the vast Persian army of King Xerxes, Leonidas became a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to duty. His leadership and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds immortalized him as one of the greatest warriors in history.North of modern Sparta, an impressive ancient structure stands as a testament to his legacy. Built in the 5th century B.C. from massive limestone blocks, this edifice, known as the Leonidaion, is believed to be the tomb of Leonidas. Initially discovered by archaeologist Waldstein in 1892, the site was originally thought to be a small temple due to its grand architectural design. However, according to the ancient historian Pausanias, the remains of Leonidas were later transferred here after the battle, reinforcing its significance as a monument to the Spartan king. The tomb itself is a remarkable structure, measuring 12.5 by 8.3 meters, with a temple-like appearance. Its interior consists of two connected chambers, one of which served as a vestibule adorned with columns. Although some scholars argue that it may have been a cenotaph or a temple dedicated to Apollo Karneios, local tradition firmly holds that this is indeed the final resting place of Leonidas. Beyond its architectural intrigue, the Tomb of Leonidas holds deep cultural importance. In ancient times, it was the focal point of annual commemorative games, where Spartans honored their fallen king with athletic and martial competitions. Even today, Leonidas' legacy endures, inspiring not only historians and scholars but also visitors who come to admire this ancient monument.For those exploring Sparta, the tomb remains a must-visit site, offering a glimpse into the life and heroism of one of history’s most revered warriors. The structure stands as a powerful symbol of Spartan values—strength, honor, and resilience—that continue to captivate the imagination of people around the world.

The Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia was built near the banks of the Evrotas River, near the ancient town of Limnon. It was one of the most significant sanctuaries of the Spartan cult and was associated with the education of young Spartans. Early on, the deity worshipped was referred to as Orthias who was considered the goddess of salvation and fertility, as well as the protector of vegetation. Later on, the cult was linked to that of Artemis and the temple became a center of religious education for young people. During the Imperial Period, it served as the site of bloody spectacles performed in accordance to the customs of the time. The temple was excavated by the British Archaeological School of Athens (1906-1910). We can now distinguish three sections: (1) a great Roman structure (during the Imperial Period, the shrine of Orthias had taken the form of a circular amphitheatre where the temple held the position of the stage), (2) the remains of an altar in the center of the site and (3) a section of the temple to the west. The temple was built with rough stones in the 6th century BC. The presence of the impressive amphitheatre indicates that people gathered there to observe rituals performed in honour of Artemis Orthia. From the numerous inscriptions found at the temple, it seems that the goddess was associated with the education of Spartan children under the age of 13. Below this temple, a smaller, older temple has been discovered which probably dates back to the 9th century BC. https://www.exploresparta.gr/tourism/en/the-sanctuary-of-artemis-orthia/