This beautifully designed museum initiates you into the mysteries of the olive from its initial appearance in the Mediterranean in 60,000 BC to the…
Mark Read
Sparta
Sparta, fearing no one, was without city walls or fortifications, which is probably why so few traces are left of a remarkable people. At the height of their power, Greece's toughest, incorruptible, legendary warriors triumphed over Athens and the rest of Greece in the Peloponnesian Wars (431–404 BC). However, decisive defeat by Thebes at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC was the beginning of the end; this was followed by successive subjugations by the Macedonians, Romans, Goths and Slavs.
The town was refounded in 1834 AD on the orders of King Otto. Mindful of history, Otto and his court felt that since Athens was to be rebuilt to reflect its former glory, so too should Sparta. He didn't succeed, though it's a pleasant country town. A few ruins attest to its ancient pre-eminence and its proximity to the Byzantine glories of Mystras makes it a handy stop.
Explore Sparta
- MMuseum of the Olive & Greek Olive Oil
This beautifully designed museum initiates you into the mysteries of the olive from its initial appearance in the Mediterranean in 60,000 BC to the…
- Ancient Sparta
Though few buildings are standing that date back to the height of Sparta's greatness, it's an atmospheric stroll around this hillside, where the acropolis…
- King Leonidas Statue
The King Leonidas statue stands belligerently in front of a football stadium. When the Persians attacked at Thermopylae and told the Spartans and their…
- AArchaeological Museum
In a park, this likeable old-style archaeological museum hosts artefacts from Sparta’s illustrious past. Look for the votive sickles of the kind that…
- KKoumantarios Gallery of Sparta
Part of the National Art Gallery, the quaint Koumantarios holds a rotating permanent collection plus wonderful temporary exhibitions. It's definitely…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Sparta.
See
Museum of the Olive & Greek Olive Oil
This beautifully designed museum initiates you into the mysteries of the olive from its initial appearance in the Mediterranean in 60,000 BC to the…
See
Ancient Sparta
Though few buildings are standing that date back to the height of Sparta's greatness, it's an atmospheric stroll around this hillside, where the acropolis…
See
King Leonidas Statue
The King Leonidas statue stands belligerently in front of a football stadium. When the Persians attacked at Thermopylae and told the Spartans and their…
See
Archaeological Museum
In a park, this likeable old-style archaeological museum hosts artefacts from Sparta’s illustrious past. Look for the votive sickles of the kind that…
See
Koumantarios Gallery of Sparta
Part of the National Art Gallery, the quaint Koumantarios holds a rotating permanent collection plus wonderful temporary exhibitions. It's definitely…
Guidebooks
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