Monemvasia

Monemvasia is a medieval fortified town built on a large rock connected to the southeastern Peloponnese mainland by a single causeway — its name derives from the Greek for single entrance. The lower town, facing the sea, is largely intact with Byzantine and Venetian churches, cobbled lanes, and stone tower houses; the ruined upper town and the Church of Hagia Sofia cling to the clifftop plateau above. No vehicles are permitted within the rock's gates, preserving the atmosphere of a medieval settlement largely undisturbed.