This ancient Greek city-state, known for its military prowess and austere lifestyle, lies in the Peloponnese region near Mount Taygetos, with ruins from its 9th century BC origins.
Modern Sparta occupies the site of the ancient Greek city-state in the Peloponnese region. You can examine ancient mosaics at the Archaeological Museum, walk through the ruins of a 2nd-century BC theater, and climb the ancient acropolis north of downtown. The surrounding area includes the stone-built medieval town of Mystras and the underground waterways of the Diros caves.
Ancient Sparta Archaeological Site
The archaeological site stretches across the northern edge of the modern city. You'll find a Roman theater from the 2nd century BC that could seat 16,000 people, the stone foundations of the ancient agora marketplace, and the Temple of Artemis Orthia dating to the 9th century BC. The limestone structure known as the "Tomb of Leonidas" dates to the 5th century BC.
Museums
The Archaeological Museum of Sparta (open Tuesday-Sunday, 8:00-20:00) displays artifacts from excavations across the Laconia region. Inside, you'll see ancient sculptures, floor mosaics, and pottery ranging from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Museum of Olive and Greek Olive Oil demonstrates traditional production methods with working machinery and explains olive oil's significance in Greek society through artifacts and tools.
Modern City Center
The 1834 city plan created a grid of wide streets now lined with orange and lemon trees. The neoclassical City Hall from 1909 anchors the central square, where locals gather throughout the day. The surrounding cafes and restaurants serve Laconian specialties like bardouniotiko (pork with orange), and local wines from the Monemvasia grape.
Day Trips
Mystras, 6 kilometers northwest of Sparta, contains Byzantine churches with 14th-century frescoes, stone monasteries, and the three-story Palace of the Despots. The site opens daily from 8:00-20:00. At the Diros Caves on the Mani Peninsula, 45-minute boat tours take you through 2.5 kilometers of underground lakes and rock formations.
Getting Around
Buses run between Sparta and Athens every two hours (2.5-hour journey). The city center measures about 1 kilometer across, with most attractions within a 20-minute walk from the central square. Local buses connect to Mystras every hour.
Climate and When to Visit
Summer temperatures in July and August reach 36°C (97°F), while January highs average 14°C (57°F). March to May and September to November bring temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F), making outdoor exploration more comfortable. Many archaeological sites close early during winter months (November-March).
