The Jewel of Mystical Mystras

A short drive from our doorstep or bracing trek away, guests at Euphoria Retreat can layer a transporting visit to the fortified town of Mystras into their wellness spa retreat. For anyone wanting to step away from the technological advances of modern life and immerse themselves the peace, beauty of a landscape which will inspire, Mystras, ‘the wonder of Morea’, is a must. Fought over by Franks, Venetians, Byzantines and Ottomans, and now an important and visually stunning Unesco World Heritage site, there is something mesmerising about exploring its lost Byzantine churches, monasteries, palaces and ruins. This is where the great neo-Platonic scholar, Gemistus Pletho, started his school of philosophy before going on to revive Greek learning in Western Europe. While seven centuries have passed since the height of Byzantium, the same aura that undoubtedly inspired the intellectual, artistic and architectural blossoming of the time continues undimmed to this day. Soak up the holy atmosphere of the Cathedral of Agios Demetrios and the Monastery of Panagia Perivleptos, wander quiet cobbled pathways, walk meandering paths down the mountainside and stop in stillness to admire immense, profoundly healing views.