Mystras is 5km. west of Sparta. The castle on the top of the steep hill  of Myzithras was founded in 1249 and offers a panoramic view of the valley. The medieval city developed gradually on the feet of the Frankish castle; therefore a second series of walls was necessary in order to protect the people around the first series of walls. A new settlement developed outside the second series of walls.
During its two centuries of Mistras existence as the Byzantine capital of the Peloponnese, many churches and monasteries with domes and chapels were erected, representing all the painting trends of the capital. A big number of them is still in a good condition. A wing of the cathedral that is consecrated to St. Demetrios houses Mystras' Byzantine Museum. The church of  Saints Theodore (13th century) and the Church of Our Lady Hodegetria (the Leader of the Way) (14th century) are unique sample of the Byzantine decorative arts and wall-painting. The Monastery of Our Lady Pantanassa (the Queen of all) is the only one that officiates in the medieval city. In the first central zone of the castle, the Palace of the Mystras Despots as well as the Church of Aghia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) and the Monastery of Our Lady Peribleptos (14th century) are quite impressive.