Hints for the Reader

The purpose of this book is to help make a visit to Monemvasia, even if it is a brief one, as rewarding as possible. We have selected the maps, the ground plans, the photographs, and the reproductions which illustrate the text from a copious amount of material. Our volume briefly sketches the history of Monemvasia, in the context of the history of the eastern Mediterranean. It also provides the visitor with a desciption of the town; points out the most important examples of the town's architecture; and indicates how the tourist can locate the buildings. It places the town's important structures in the context of their historical and architectural development; describes their present condition; and discusses the town and its buildings in a broad historical context.

n addition to pointing out important buldings, ruins and architectural structures, we have also described some pleasant walks through the streets and alleys of Monemvasia. Hopefully these descriptions will make it easier for the visitor to negotiate the circuitous, tangled streets of the town. We have pointed out some of the many idyllic and romantic gardens, street corners, and squares which are as fascinating as the buildings, the ruins, and the architechtural beauty. It would be impossible to give a complete description of the town and its various points of interest; this has not been our intent. Instead, we have left plenty of room for the visitor's own flair and love for discovery. Our goal has been to introduce the town of Monemvasia to the visitor, and to give some hints that will help heighten the interest and sharpen the view for the many things that we have not described, for the many things that we have left for each individual visitor to discover alone.