PELOPONNESE

The Peloponnese Peninsula enchants travelers with its crystal-clear waters, captivating golden sandy beaches, charming coastal towns, authentic villages adorned with stone structures, ancient cities, stunning hills, castles, delightful cuisine, and its nature.

Peloponnese Peninsula offers traces from every period of history. In this world adorned with historical legends and mythological stories, you can open the door to a different magical experience every day, ranging from ancient temples to Byzantine monasteries, medieval castles to Ottoman mosques. And it doesn’t stop there; you can catch your breath under the sacred olive trees in the land of ancient Sparta, travel back to 776 BC in Ancient Olympia where the Olympics were born, stroll through Homer’s golden-rich Mycenae, delve into the origins of medicine at the healing center of Asklepios, and watch the sunset at the enchanting Epidaurus ancient theater.

The culinary world is a separate realm in Peloponnese. The olives of Kalamata, oranges of Sparta and Argos, wines of Nemea and Mantineia must be tasted. Monemvasia’s famous sweet wine malvasia should be paired with the local handmade goges, like gnocchi. Mani’s olive pie eliotyropita and Neapolis’s cheese bread tyropsomo should not be overlooked. Additionally, local honeys, Arcadia’s hilopites (a type of pasta), and the authentic pasta called trahana should be tried. Magnificent meals should be concluded with diples (fried dough), pastelia (honey sesame), or rafiolia (nut cake). Of course, you should also try Corinth’s rose syrup…

The people are another beautiful aspect of Mora. In these not very touristy and untouched lands, everyone is very warm and friendly. For example, the owner of the small grocery store where we made mini shopping for two consecutive days gave us a gift of handpicked oregano, winning our hearts. The coasts are dedicated to the people, not to those who build hotels to make money.

The southernmost part of Greece, the Peloponnese Peninsula, is surrounded by the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Ionian Seas. Its connection to the mainland has been severed by the Corinth Canal, but geographically, it is not a natural island. The name Peloponnese dates to the Crusader period and is thought to have been given because it resembles the leaf of the mulberry tree (Morea). However, Greeks prefer to call it Peleponnes, in a nationalist approach, after Pelops, the founder in mythology.

If you liken Peloponnese to your right hand, the thumb is Argolis, the index finger and middle finger are Lakonia (the tip of the middle finger is Mani), the ring finger is Messenia, and the little finger is Elis.

To fully explore the Peloponnese Peninsula, you need to allocate a considerable amount of time. During our 9-day vacation, we had a very active itinerary, and we had such an enjoyable time that our minds, hearts, and souls stayed in those lands.

DAY 1- FROM ATHENS TO NAFPLIO

The first stop of our journey through the Peloponnese Peninsula, starting from Athens, was the Corinth Canal. This canal, which separates Central Greece from the Peloponnese, was built in 1893, but the idea of reaching the Ionian Sea from the Aegean Sea through a canal dates back to the 7th century BC. It took centuries to reach the technology that would realize this dream. Alexander the Great made great efforts to complete this canal, but it was only after the successful implementation of the technology used in the Suez Canal that the Corinth Canal could be completed. The canal, with its eighty-meter-high walls, is 6 km long, 24.6 m wide, and does not allow two ships to pass side by side at the same time. Therefore, canal traffic needs to be perfectly organized.

Afterwards, we headed towards Nafplio through Nemea, connecting the ancient Greek temples with vast vineyards. Getting lost and finding ourselves among the apricot orchards, and enjoying the view was the most beautiful surprise of the day.

Nemea MÖ 6-2 yüzyıllar arasında tüm Yunanistan’dan gelen sporcuların yarıştığı oyunlara ev sahipliği yapmış. Diğer bir önemli yapı ise Mora Yarımadası’ndaki en etkileyici eserlerden biri olan Zeus Tapınağı. Arkeolog Stephen Miller ve ‘University of California at Berkeley’ ekibi tarafından gün yüzene çıkarılan ve düzenlenen bölge Yunanistan’ın en iyilerinden kabul edilen müzesi ile dikkat çekiyor. Kazı sırasında eski Nemean Oyunlarını da canlandıran Prof. Miller’ın organizasyonu ile farklı ülkelerden gelen sporcular eski Yunan sporcuları gibi giyinerek izleyicilerin önünde yarışmışlar. En ilgi çeken yarışma ise Nemea yollarında başlayıp stadyumda sonlanan 7 kilometrelik ‘Herakles’in Ayak İzleri’ etabı olmuş. Modern olimpiyatlar gibi 4 yılda bir yapılan oyunlar, olimpiyatlarla aynı yıl ama haziran ayında yapılıyor.

Nemea hosted games between athletes from all over Greece between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC. Another important structure is the Temple of Zeus, one of the most impressive monuments in the Peloponnese. The area, excavated and organized by archaeologist Stephen Miller and the team from the University of California at Berkeley, stands out with a museum considered one of the best in Greece. During the excavation, Professor Miller revived the ancient Nemean Games, with athletes from different countries dressing like ancient Greek athletes and competing in front of spectators. The most notable competition was the 7-kilometer “Footsteps of Heracles” stage, starting on the roads of Nemea and ending in the stadium. These games, held every four years like the modern Olympics, take place in the same year as the Olympics but in June.

Our exploration of the Peloponnese, which I likened to the right hand, began with our first stop in Nafplio. We stayed here for 2 days. Located in the Argolic Gulf, Nafplio is a charming port town on the thumb of the Peloponnese with its cobblestone cafes, houses adorned with small cast iron balconies, and clean streets adorned with colorful flowers. Nafplio is well-positioned to explore the archaeological sites of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Argos, and Tiryns located in the thumb of the Peloponnese. The influences of the Venetians, Byzantines, Romans, and Ottomans can still be felt in the city.

According to legend, Nafplio was founded by Nafplius, the son of the Sea God Poseidon and Princess Danae Amymone of Argos. It has experienced occupations by Sparta, Byzantium, the Franks, Venice, and the Ottomans. Later, it fell under the rule of Venice and the Ottoman Empire again. Between 1828 and 1834, it became the capital of the first Hellenic Republic, known as the first capital of Greece. The neoclassical villas date back to that period.

It is possible to reach Nafplio from Athens by car in 1.5 hours. However, our journey took longer because we stopped at both the Corinth Canal and Nemea. There are designated parking areas on the Nafplio coast for public use because, except for certain areas, there is no vehicle entry to the city. Our choice of accommodation, Pension Omorfi Poli, left us extremely satisfied. The rooms were very comfortable, and the breakfast was excellent. We relaxed at Arvanitia Beach, which is a 10-minute walk from our hotel, to unwind from the day’s fatigue. We enjoyed swimming in the warm waters of the Blue Flag beach, but I should remind you to wear water shoes as it has a rocky bottom.

Nemea is also the most important wine-producing region of the Peloponnese Peninsula. The Agiorgitiko grape variety, grown for red wine, is considered the best in the region. Even Homer mentioned the richness of the vineyards and the variety of products. Wines produced with Agiorgitiko are known for their deep red color and significant aromatic richness. Gaia Winery in the town of Koutsi is known as the best in Nemea, with its most important wines being the Gaia Estate, which also includes the Agiorgitiko grape. Other notable wineries in the region include ‘Palivos’, ‘Domaine Spiropoulos’, ‘Semeli Winery’, and those close to the Nemea excavation site, such as ‘Papaioannou Estates’, ‘Gofas Family Winery’, and ‘The Wine Cooperative of Nemea’.

Regardless of where you eat in the Peloponnese peninsula, the flavors are so satisfying that you never regret your choice. In Nafplio, we chose Arapakos Taverna for the first night and Alkioni (Alkioni Bar-Aiolos Taverna) on the second night to taste Nemea wines.

DAY 2-NAFPLIO

Nafplio is rich in both attractions and beaches, making it suitable for planning the day according to personal preferences. Among the places to visit:

Bourtzi Castle: Located on a tiny island in the middle of the sea, the castle was built by the Venetians in 1471. It served as the residence for executioners during the period when Palamidi Castle was a prison.

Plateia Syntagmatos (Constitution Square): This is Nafplio’s main square, still standing in its 1700s form. Syntagmatos (Sintagma) has two Ottoman-era mosques. Vouleftikon or parliament was built by the Ottomans in 1730. It served as the first parliament building of the Greek state and was later used as a prison. Trianon, known as Ağa Paşa Mosque, was built towards the end of the 1500s. Today, it hosts local theater performances.

Archaeological Museum: The western part of Syntagmatos is entirely dedicated to the Archaeological Museum. Built as an arsenal by the Venetians in 1713, the building also served as a military headquarters. In 2009, it was converted into a museum.

Akronafplia: The oldest fortress in Nafplio, carries influences from the Venetian, Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman periods. From the location of the bell tower, there is a magnificent view of the city.

Palamidi Fortress: From Akronafplia, you can reach Palamidi Fortress by walking on the threshold of a unique landscape. The Venetians built this fortress in 1714 to protect the city when they took control of it for the second time. Originally, there were 999 steps to climb to the fortress, and the 1000th step was damaged by the horse of Theodoros Kolokotronis, a hero of the War of Independence, who was once held captive here. During the period when it was used as a prison, the number of steps was reduced to 857. The fortress, which has eight bastions, includes the Chapel of Aghios Andreas. Those who manage to climb to the top are rewarded with a magnificent view. The ascent of the stairs is comfortable, and with each step, the landscape enchants you a little more. Don’t say, “Can I climb so many steps?” – experience this in the late afternoon near sunset; you won’t regret it.

Vasileos Konstantinou: One of the most enjoyable streets in the city is Vasileos Konstantinou. Along the way, bougainvillea and flowers hanging from balconies invite travelers to a colorful world.

Platia Trion Navachon (Three Admirals Square): The square’s name is given in honor of the British, French, and Russian naval commanders who fought and won against the Ottomans in 1827.

Kolokotronis Park: Continuing from the Three Admirals Square, there is Kolokotronis Park. The area, built as a park during the Ottoman period, was converted into a train station when Greece gained independence. In 1963, the train station was closed, and it was reorganized as a park. The Station Building was converted into a Music School.

There are many good beaches around Nafplio. Our choice, Karathona Beach, is a very long beach with facilities for day use in separate establishments. I think it’s definitely worth a visit, a very enjoyable beach. Other alternatives include:

• Kandia: Just outside Nafplio, sandy.
• Kondili: 17 km from Nafplio, one of the best in the region, next to the Agios Nicholas church.
• Neas Kiou: 4 km from Nafplio.

While in Nafplio, the Epidaurus Healing Center should be visited. Famous for its unparalleled health facilities in the Hellenic world and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Epidaurus Healing Center is dedicated to the God of Medicine, Asklepios. Built in the 4th century BC, the magnificent ancient theater is known for its exceptional acoustics. The theater, with a capacity of 14,000, is still actively used for concerts and is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. In addition, there are the Temples of Artemis and Asklepion, Tholos, Enkoimeterion, Propylaia, banquet halls, baths, sports, and medical facilities.

DAY 3-MONEMVASIA

If you remember, I likened the Peloponnese Peninsula to an open hand. On the map, Nafplio was located at the thumb’s tip. On our third day, we set out from Nafplio on the west coast of the thumb towards Monemvasia on the east coast of the index finger. We stayed here for 2 days and explored the surroundings.

Monemvasia seems to be built on a rock that has fallen from the sky. The city, which preserves medieval features, has only one entrance gate. Its name comes from here (mone-one, emvasia-entrance). Monemvasia used to be connected to the mainland until an earthquake in AD 675, after which this connection was submerged. Now, the island’s land connection is made through a bridge about 200 meters long. At one end of the bridge is the fishing village of Gefira. When you leave Gefira and cross the bridge, the coastal road continues until it reaches the only entrance gate of Monemvasia.

The city was founded by the Spartans in the 6th century to protect against the attacks of northern tribes. Later, it remained under Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman rule and became the most important trading port in the Southern Aegean. It became part of Greece in 1821. In Evliya Çelebi’s Seyahatname, it is mentioned as Benefşe. The stone houses, almost untouched since the Middle Ages, have been beautifully restored to their original state, adding to the beauty of Monemvasia today.

The city consists of two parts: the upper part, where there is no current habitation, only historical monuments and building remains, many of which are in the process of restoration. In the lower part, there are around 800 buildings, 40 of which are churches (there is also a mosque from the Ottoman era). Most of the restored buildings in this part have been transformed into boutique hotels, taverns, cafes, bars, or shops. There is no vehicular access to the inside of the city. After leaving your vehicle on the road, you need to walk about 2 km.

Upon entering the castle gate, one road continues straight ahead while the other descends to the right. The road that descends to the right continues along the walls and the seabed, passing through two different squares of the city and continuing to the other end. From here, you can either cross to the other side of the walls to look at the city from the outside or continue uphill to the top. Climbing to the top is quite challenging around midday due to the height of 200 meters. If you continue to the left from the second square without climbing, you will come to the main street that you didn’t enter earlier, and all the taverns and shops of the city are lined up along this narrow street. It is believed that those who marry inside the castle will have an eternal marriage.

Monemvasia can be explored in 24 hours. During this time, you can enjoy the evening lights and experience the nightlife. You can also take a dip in the sea below the walls to cool off during the day.

In terms of accommodation, Gefira is cheaper and more practical in terms of transportation. However, there are not many alternatives in terms of facilities. We rented a summer house from the Monemvasia Village website. We had a beautiful view of Monemvasia, and it was possible to walk to Monemvasia in 30 minutes. If you choose Monemvasia for dinner, go before sunset, as afterwards, you’ll be looking at a dark expanse of the open sea. On our first night, we chose To Kanoni in the square of Monemvasia. The place had both a beautiful view and delicious food. In addition to standard Greek taverna dishes, there were also seafood risotto and pasta varieties. On our second night, we ate at Akrogiali Taverna in Gefira. I especially recommend the Kinsterna Boutique Hotel for an enjoyable afternoon. This boutique hotel, located in the vineyards, is also famous for its cuisine.

DAY 4-MONEMVASİA

If you are in Monemvasia, you must visit the natural wonder of Elafonisos Island. First, we went to Pounta Harbor with a winding mountain road of 1 hour and 15 minutes. Pounta is the ferry port for Elafonisos, and the ferry operates every half hour. Elafonissos is an island, but it is so close to the coast that it creates the impression that you could walk across if the water were a bit shallower. The ferries to the island are converted from landing craft and are designed not to create problems in shallow water. While at the Pounta harbor on the opposite side of the island, the blue color of the water is enchanting and creates an immediate desire to swim. By the way, in ancient times, the island was connected to the harbor, but it was later submerged. In the submerged part, one of the world’s oldest sunken cities is located (Pavlopetri, 3000 B.C.)

The island is extremely charming, mainly relying on local tourists for its livelihood. The main attraction, Simos Beach, is 3 km away when you leave the harbor from the left. There are many parking lots and directional signs along the way, but the most suitable point to leave the car is where the asphalt road ends. When you walk past the sand dunes, you are mesmerized by the breathtaking view. The turquoise sea, crystal clear like glass, where the endless pure white beach meets… If you take a photo and share it, tagging it as the Maldives, it would never be distinguished. On both sides of this beach, divided by a peninsula, there are organized beaches (umbrellas and sun loungers). Here, you are in a peaceful paradise, unlike our shores invaded by “beach” culture, with its noise, hustle, and crazy hands-up music. The service staff assisting with food and drinks bring the service to your feet from the cafe in the parking lot. Another alternative is Mikro Simos Beach. The color of the water is the same, just much smaller and quieter. Elafonissos’ center is quite lively with accommodation facilities, cafes, restaurants, shops, and a church. Panagia on the west coast of the island and the hidden beach of Lefki (Pefki), where there are no waves, are other alternatives.

To swim, there are alternative options near Monemvasia, such as Kakkavos Beach (the closest, pebbly, with a blue flag), Pori Beach (north of Monemvasia, pebble and sand, with a blue flag), and Ambelakia Beach (south of Monemvasia, sandy).

DAY 5-AREOPOLI

We left Monemvasia and set off towards Areopoli. The west coast adorned with silver olive trees and the eastern coast known for its mountains were waiting for us to explore Mani. The surprise of our journey in the Lakonia region was the shipwreck sitting on the coast of Selinitsa Beach, rusted by years. The ship, named Dimitrios, has many rumors surrounding it. The most popular one is that it was used for cigarette smuggling, caught fire, and drifted ashore. Official sources, however, state that the captain was taken to the hospital while the ship was in port, the company went bankrupt, and for safety reasons, the ship was moved away from the port. Later, due to weather conditions, it drifted ashore. Another feature of the blue-flagged beach is that it hosts loggerhead sea turtles.

Our third accommodation on the Peloponnese discovery tour was Areopoli, located on the west coast of the middle finger. This is an ideal base to enjoy the unique beauties of Deep Mani. We spent the last four days of our journey here, staying at the ‘Arapakis Historic Castle’, a 200-year-old historical castle. Each room is equipped with a kitchen and a spacious living area. Our room also had a wonderful terrace with a great view.

The Mani region is divided into two parts: Outer Mani covers the western side with Kardamyli and Stoupa, while Deep Mani starts from Aeropoli and extends further south. As you head south from here, you’ll encounter Gerolimenas, the medieval fantasy village of Vathia, Porto Kagio, and Marmari. The southernmost tip is Cape Tenaro.

After leaving our belongings at the castle, we set out to explore immediately. For lunch, we chose the Kyrimai Boutique Hotel in the village of Gerolimenas. The hotel is beautifully decorated, and its flavors pleased us.

Gerolimenas is a fishing village with a unique atmosphere. It may be a bit remote for accommodation, but it is a must-see once you’ve come this far. The village is situated within a bay with one side ending in a steep cliff. Time seems to have stopped here; some stone buildings have been abandoned, while others stand reluctantly. The beach at the bottom of the bay is rocky, but the water is crystal clear. It’s a must to take a dip here, of course, water shoes are essential. After our sea adventure, we took a shower right there and had our dinner at To Petrino Taverna.

DAY 6-AREOPOLI

There are numerous alternatives for swimming in the region. Today’s options include Mavrovoini, Vathi, Kameras. We chose Vathi for our dip. Later in Gythio, we took an ice cream break, and of course, had the essential mastic-flavored ice cream.

Gythio, located at the foot of Mount Koumaros, is the largest town in Mani with a population of 5000. In the southern part of the town, there is a small island called Kranai. It is said that after Paris abducted Helen from King Menelaus in Sparta, they used this place to escape to Troy. Gythion was the original port of Sparta in the Iliad and Odyssey epics. On Kranai, you can visit the Tzanetakis Tower, built during the Ottoman period and now hosting the Ethnology Museum. The Gythio lighthouse was built in 1873 and stands at 25 meters with a range of 9 nautical miles. On the other side of the port, there is the Archaeological Museum, built in 1891 by Schliemann. Like much of the surrounding area of Gythio, Kranai is covered with pine trees.

In the afternoon, we headed to Limeni for a swim. This place is truly picturesque, an extremely charming village with unique architecture. It is located 4.5 km away from Areopolis. The tomb of Petrompeis Mavromichalis is here. Additionally, you can explore the Agios Nikolaos Church and the abandoned Panagia Vreti. The experience of the sea here is indescribable; it must be lived. It’s like swimming in a glass of water, the water is so clear. I even saw a sea turtle. It became the favorite sea spot for our team; we even came back one more time on the last day. Finding a place to enter the sea can be a bit challenging; usually, you sit in the cafes along the roadside and access the sea from there. We chose Teloneio (Custom Bar), used as a bar at night, which was quite comfortable. The seabed is rocky, and there are sea urchins. Finding a parking space in Limeni can be a bit problematic. It’s advisable to not be too ambitious about finding a closer spot; it’s better to park wherever you find space first.

After our sea adventure in Limeni, let’s get to know our accommodation in Areopoli. Areopoli, meaning “upper city,” is like a mountain town. It is very beautiful with its stone buildings and cobblestone streets. It might not be very exciting to explore during the day, but at night, you must have something to eat in the street taverns, observe the passersby, and deeply breathe in the air of Mani. The town takes its name from the Greek god of war, Ares, and used to be the capital of the inner Mani region called Mesa Mani. Its original name was Tsimova, and it was renamed in 1836 by the first Greek king to honor the people living here for their courage in the war against the Ottomans. It was the first city to raise its flag in the 1821 Greek Revolution, and you can see this flag at the Natural History Museum in Athens. The flag has a blue cross in the middle, and above it, it says “Victory or Death”. Below the cross, it says, “I tan I epi tas”, which means “with this, or on this” – a phrase spoken by a Spartan mother as she sent her sons off to war, meaning “return with your shield or on it.” In the central square, Platia Athanaton, there is a statue of Petrompeis Mavromichalis from the Mavromichalis family, which played a significant role during the Greek wars. The region’s history dates to the Paleolithic era. Among the places to visit is the Mavromichali Tower, built in 1760, and the family’s house built in 1839. The houses of the Pikoulakis family, known for their fight against the Ottomans, are also worth seeing. Built in 1850, the tower section serves as the Byzantine Museum. The Taxiarchis Church and its bell tower are iconic for the city, located in the historical square of March 17, 1821. The houses of worship, Panagia (Virgin Mary) and Agios Charalampos, in Niarchakos Square, can also be visited. The stone reliefs of the complex’s tower are remarkable. In Athanaton Square, Agios Athanasios, Ai Giannis Prodromos Church with wall paintings dating from 1746-1868, and Panagia Georgianiki Church with its famous iconostasis can be explored.

We had our dinner for two nights at Barba-Petros on the main street of Areopoli. I especially recommend the meatballs with tomato sauce. Their homemade wines were also very good. My favorite ice cream on the Mani Peninsula is the ice cream of the cute old man at the beginning of the main street in Areopoli.

Another place worth visiting on the way to Gerolimenas is the Diros Cave, located 7 km south of Areopoli. This cave, which contains water, is explored by small boats and takes about 40 minutes. Unfortunately, we couldn’t visit due to high water levels. The cave is said to be very impressive and well-organized.

DAY 7-AREOPOLI

We went to Mavrovoini Beach for a morning swim. In the afternoon, we visited the abandoned village of Vatheia.

In the afternoon, we headed further south and took a swim at Marmari Beach. There is a short trekking trail leading to the hills here. At the end of the path, travelers are greeted by a small chapel at the top.

In the afternoon, we went to Porto Kagio Bay and walked to ‘Cape Tenaro’, the southernmost point of the Balkans (Cape Matapan, Cape Tairanon). Cape Tenaro, where the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea meet, takes its name from Taenarus, the son of Zeus, believed to have founded a city here. In ancient Greece, it was known as the place where Hades hid from Hercules. The first part of the two-kilometer walk is on flat ground, revealing the ruins and mosaics of the ancient Tainaron, a Roman city. But the latter part is thrilling, as if walking on the edge of a cliff. The lighthouse, reachable with a fifty-minute walk, marks the southernmost point of the Balkans. The lighthouse was built in 1882 but is still out of use. This place is a spot where you will feel the infinite sense of freedom, as if you have reached the end of the world. On the other side is Libya. Upon returning, you can take a dip in the sea at Porto Kagio to shake off the trekking fatigue.

DAY 8-AREOPOLI

The first swimming stop on our last day was Mezapos. This tiny bay, with a very narrow mouth, is like an aquarium. Surrounded by steep rocks on the sides, it’s ideal for climbing and jumping. Of course, with this feature, it quickly became my favorite spot for taking a dip in the sea.

Our second stop was Alypa. We had our lunch at the tiny tavern on the beach and cooled off in the sea. The sea was rocky, but swimming was very enjoyable. When the whole family wanted to swim in Limeni once again, we made our final stop there. In the evening, we had a wonderful dinner at O Takis tavern and completed our journey in Mani.

DAY 9- RETURN

If you have time, let me tell you about two important places to visit:

Mycenae: Located between the Corinth Canal and Nafplio, Mycenae is the place where King Agamemnon, the hero of the Trojan War, was killed. The Mycenaean civilization flourished during the Golden Age between 1600-1200 BC. The city was unearthed in 1870. Some of the notable places to see include the stone walls built without mortar, the Lion Gate, Grave Circle, Agamemnon’s Palace, and his tomb.

Positioned at the foot of Mount Taygetos and serving as the cultural capital of the Byzantine Empire, Mystras is located just a 10-minute drive from the city of Sparta. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first fortress was built in 1249, and despite experiencing several fires, excavation work has been ongoing since 1950. There are two entrance gates. Entering from the upper gate provides an impressive view of the fortress and panoramic Mystras. Additionally, there are landmarks such as the Church of Hagia Sophia, the Small Palace, and the Palace of the Despots. The lower entrance gate allows access to the Pantanassa and Peribleptos Monasteries, the Church of Saint Demetrius, and the Church of Saint Theodoros.