Sparta. Mystras. Diru Mani

Located in the heart of the Peloponnese, Sparta is more than a history-overloaded name. This is more than a deification of war, its upbringing, loyalty to ideas, charters of the state and its canons. Spartans forever entered the history of Hellas, deserving honors for their militancy, valor and courage.

Only 6 km. from the legendary Sparta is the ancient Greek city of Mystras, personifying the last prosperity of the Byzantine Empire. The city, located on the edge of the Taiget massif, was founded in 1249 by the Franks who dominated Hellas at the beginning of the 13th century. This is "medieval Pompeii", a dilapidated "ghost town." Walking along the narrow streets of Mystras, we meet the wonderfully preserved Orthodox churches with frescoes of 13-15 centuries. The last emperor of the Byzantine Empire, Konstantin Paleologos, was crowned in Mystras, remembered by Hellas and the whole world for his refusal to the Turkish sultan. (the sultan suggested saving Emperor Constantine's life in exchange for surrendering Constantinople). “On May 29, 1453, the troops of the Sultan broke into the city; the last surviving words of the emperor were: “The city fell, and I am still alive,” after which, tearing off the signs of imperial dignity, Konstantin rushed into battle as a simple warrior and was killed. ”

Next we continue to the southern point of the Peloponnese - caves of Diru Mani. This is the largest underground cave in Europe. It impresses with a large number of stalactites and stalagmites, of various forms, as well as its mystical twilight, dark waters and cool air. The entire tour route includes 1200 meters along the surface of the underground lake by boat and 600-800 meters on foot through the most beautiful caves and grottoes. Before boarding boats, tourists must be given life vests and helmets. Everywhere in the caves, water is highlighted and the walls shining from moisture, sometimes you can see the bottom, and sometimes the depth is completely dark and gloomy. Sometimes the path passes through huge halls, and sometimes the boat has to literally squeeze into narrow and low passages.