Attractions
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Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia-
The sanctuary of Artemis Orthia is an old site devoted in Classical times to Artemis, was one of the most important religious in the city-state Sparta. The sanctuary was built near the banks of the Eurotas river, near the ancient town of Limnon. It was excavated between 1906-1910 by the British School at Athens.
The sanctuary of Artemis Orthia is an old site devoted in Classical times to Artemis, was one of the most important religious in the city-state Sparta. The sanctuary was built near the banks of the Eurotas river, near the ancient town of Limnon. It was excavated between 1906-1910 by the British School at Athens.
Mystras-
Mystras is a town 6km Northwest of Sparta. It was built on top of hill in 1249 overlooking Sparta. Mystras is one of the most important archaeological site with many Byzantine churches and palaces.
Mystras is a town 6km Northwest of Sparta. It was built on top of hill in 1249 overlooking Sparta. Mystras is one of the most important archaeological site with many Byzantine churches and palaces.
Entertainment
Entertainment is a relative and ambiguous term. To most, entertainment or recreation is a leisurely activity with the pursuit of pleasure in mind. However, here in Sparta entertainment could only be described as spartanesque. Spartans do everything with the mindset of a warrior. From the time we became a military state, the combatant mentality and the national pride we possessed bled over into every other activity we would choose to pursue. Greeks had plenty of entertainment, but we are a little more uptight about having fun. Although, we do play a popular game called knucklebones where we have five ankles of sheeps and complete a series of throws that differ from throws like the "Peas in a Pod' to "Horses in the Stables". We also compete in hunting and sports games which we have every year.
Festivals
Sparta has many festivals. The two most popular ones are Gymnopaedia and hyacinthia
GYMNOPAEDIA
During the festival, people dance and play sports. This festival is held in the summertime. They celebrated this because it was dedicated to Apollo (the god of music, poetry, plague, sun, medicine light and knowledge).
The sports were reserved for men and the dancing was most likely for women. The dancing included the Dancing of the Young Women for reasons of showing their strength, worthiness to give birth to strong men and also a way to promote eugenic marriages and population growth.
HYACINTHIA
The Hyacinthia lasted for three days.
On the first day, people mourn for the death of the hero.
On the second day, Spartans celebrated for the heroes rebirth. Children played the cithara and aulos. ( cithara - a harp like instrument. aulos - a wind instruments). Others participated in horse races and some girls/women participated in a decorated cart parade in Amyclae.. Choirs competed in town, sing country songs and dance.
Finally, on the third day, it was more solemn or that mysteries were held. Spartan women wove chiton ( clothing) which is then offered to god.
GYMNOPAEDIA
During the festival, people dance and play sports. This festival is held in the summertime. They celebrated this because it was dedicated to Apollo (the god of music, poetry, plague, sun, medicine light and knowledge).
The sports were reserved for men and the dancing was most likely for women. The dancing included the Dancing of the Young Women for reasons of showing their strength, worthiness to give birth to strong men and also a way to promote eugenic marriages and population growth.
HYACINTHIA
The Hyacinthia lasted for three days.
On the first day, people mourn for the death of the hero.
On the second day, Spartans celebrated for the heroes rebirth. Children played the cithara and aulos. ( cithara - a harp like instrument. aulos - a wind instruments). Others participated in horse races and some girls/women participated in a decorated cart parade in Amyclae.. Choirs competed in town, sing country songs and dance.
Finally, on the third day, it was more solemn or that mysteries were held. Spartan women wove chiton ( clothing) which is then offered to god.
Accommodations
Kalyvia Sochas — For those with a sense of adventure, this lovely little village and rustic home, are a gateway to an authentic Greek experience.
The original home was completed in 1957 and remained relatively unchanged until extensive renovations were undertaken over six months in 2009. The house interiors were totally redone with new kitchen and bathroom as well as new furnishings throughout. Brand new windows and doors were installed along with air conditioning and a washer/dryer. There is a modest library, of mostly Greek themed books and a small collection of local art and crafts that the owners hope to add to over the years with each visit.Located just south of Sparti in the Peloponnese. Kalyvia Sochas is a small village of about 150 extremely friendly and generous townspeople including a number of English speakers. It is a few minutes from Sparti with it’s many cafes, restaurants, bakeries, clothing stores and supermarkets.Close by is the port of Gythio and numerous beaches including Beach Hive and Marvrovouni. The Mani Peninsula, Mystras, Monemvasia the Tiegetos mountain range and the many olive and orange groves offer endless opportunities for exploration and recreation.
Food
One of the most famous dishes from ancient Sparta is a stew made make of pork stew. That was called black broth and given reputation as fierce warriors. Cooks in Sparta at one time were not allowed to anything else but meat with bread. Spartans planted grapes, olives and sometimes wheat.