Easter inside the castle town of Monemvasia feels like a movie set.
Romantic ambiance, scenes that evoke another era, and enchanting landscapes. Together they compose Monemvasia’s dreamlike setting. Blending natural beauty with a reverent atmosphere, the Monemvasia is one of the top destinations for Easter in Greece.
The medieval castle town at the southeastern tip of Laconia is at its best this time of year. Built atop a rock, it is filled with picturesque alleys and Byzantine churches and looks out over the Myrtoan Sea, offering magical views to every visitor. Monemvasia is renowned both for its reverent atmosphere during the days of Easter and for its customs.
Easter in Monemvasia
The castle town is captivating in every season, but during Holy Week the atmosphere is truly reverent. The stone-built houses sit alongside elegant shops and picturesque restaurants offering wonderful sea views. On Good Friday the Epitaphios procession winds through the castle’s alleys, with the faithful carrying lit candles and the chants echoing off Monemvasia’s rock.
On Holy Saturday all roads lead to the square with the Cannon and the Church of Christ in Chains (Elkomenos). The bells peal and the Resurrection by candlelight becomes an almost cinematic experience. On Easter Sunday afternoon, in the courtyard of the same church, you’ll witness the custom of burning Judas - a human effigy of wood and straw, inside which explosives have been placed. On Easter Sunday, homes and little tavernas fill the air with aromas from spit-roasts, Laconian pies and traditional sweets, while local hospitality makes the experience even more authentic.
What to see in Monemvasia
Within the medieval castle town, it’s worth losing yourself in the stone-paved alleys lined with old mansions and small cafés, strolling and photographing every corner. In the central square you’ll find the famed cannon aimed toward the sea and the Archaeological Museum. There you’ll also see the renowned Church of Christ in Chains (Elkomenos), with rare icons, among which the Crucifixion stands out.
Walk along the seaward wall to savor the view of the Myrtoan Sea. Pause at Chrysafitissa Square and slip out by the water through the sea gate, known as the Portello. For the best views in the area, climb up to the Upper Town and the Church of Agia Sophia, built in the 12th century, which commands the edge of a cliff 300 meters above the sea. From there, your gaze dissolves into the endless blue.
Using Monemvasia as your base, you can discover even more wonderful sights and picturesque places such as Kyparissi, Geraki, Elafonisos, the Petrified Forest, Mystras, Kastania Cave and the Diros Caves. Don’t leave without tasting local products such as olive oil, Laconian cheeses, almond sweets and, of course, the historic Malvasia wine that has been linked to the area for centuries.
