Hagia Sophia in Monemvasia Photo

Photographer’s Note

‘Monemvasia - Hagia Sophia’

Monemvasia (Μονεμβάσια), a well-known medieval fortress with an adjacent town, consists of two settlements.
Each one is located at a different level (the upper town and the lower town) and each has its own fortification.

In the upper town, which is now uninhabited, many remains of buildings from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine period can be found.
On the picture you see the most significant of these Byzantine buildings: the octagonal domed church of Hagia Sophia (Saint Sophia). This building dates back to 1150.
On the background you see a part of New Monemvasia (or Yefira) (This isn’t the lower town ! Another picture of that will follow later)

From www.monemvasia.com :

Monemvasia is located in the southeastern Peloponnese in the prefecture of Laconia, 400 meters from land having been separated from the mainland by an earthquake in 375 A.D.

Today a causeway links the mainland town of Yefira/New Monemvasia to Monemvasia or Kastro (castle).
The Kastro is divided into a lower and an upper town.
Many ruins of the original 800 houses and only four out of the original forty churches can be found in the lower town. Among them is the Church of the Elkomenos Christ (Christ Dragged), which is named after a famous icon of Christ given in 1700 to the church by Andreas Likinios, philosopher and chief physician to the ruler of Moldavia, Dimitirs Kandimir. The oldest church is St. Paul’s, which was built in 956, and today houses the museum. Further on, towards the eastern edge of the lower town and closer to the sea is the whitewashed Our Lady of Hrisafittisa, which was built in the sixteenth century.

High above, castle walls protect the upper town on the summit. There one can see the remains of Byzantine houses and public buildings and a vast cistern that ensured a water supply at times of siege. A fortified zigzag path from the upper town leads to the Fortress of Goulas on the summit overlooking the town. It is entered by a tunnel that still retains its ironbound gates.

Among the ruins of houses and cisterns of the acropolis of the upper town stands St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), a Byzantine church founded by Andronikos II Paleologos on a plan similar to that of Daphni in Athens.

atha2pan, tendstoinfinity, torre, Fransx, Jardim, gracious, trekks, ribeiroantonio, mkamionka, bakes888, asajernigan, ellelloo, paura, kroupis, adramad, Dyerco, darek1978, stego, Felip, francio64, lousat, alftrek, Graal, Emile, gunbud, Atousa, vasilpro, emilbo, dip, jhm, photoray, UlfE, lrw1966, axiotea, kiks, jaywalker, jarek, Vanessa132 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

atha2pan (3515) 2009-05-08 11:22

Paul, I have seen a lot of different pov of Monemvasia, but your pov is excellent. Maybe the best ever. Your photo is full of life and vivid.
Take care
Sakis

batalay (21193) 2009-05-08 11:27

Hello Paul,

A superb shot of the Hagi Sophia on the cliff edge. It never fails to amaze me the propensity of the Byzantine ascetics to build their monasteries and churches on the most inaccessible peaks, where dying from a heart attack is increased, perhaps on the way to meet one's maker. Your note is first rate, befitting the excellent photograph.

Warm regards,
Bulent

tendstoinfinity (81) 2009-05-08 11:28

Amazing point of view. The picture is a bit too bright maybe? The background seems a bit washed out. If you have more this would make a nice sequence because the POV in this picture really makes me want to look more. Yes?

goutero (444) 2009-05-08 11:28

Great POV, nice contraset between antic monastery and modern buildings by the sea

Fis2 (46365) 2009-05-08 12:06

Witaj Paul!
Fantastic place.
Good frame and composition.
Wonderful object.
Well done.
Regards
Krzysztof

dta (6059) 2009-05-08 12:15

Bonjour Paul ,
Le Point de vue est particulièrement bien choisi pour nous montrer la spectaculaire implantation de ce supebe bâtiment . Jolie lumière sur les impressionantes falaises , aussi .
Amicalement

torre (893) 2009-05-08 12:55

Hello Paul. Ui that creeps! Very good picture with excellent contrast, excellent definition. I love
Congratulation
Regards
Arlindo

Fransx (1453) 2009-05-08 14:01

Hello Paul,

A beautiful Byzantine building at the top of the mountain adorned with fantastic light and accurate sharpness.
The colors are marvellous!
The village by the sea is increasing impact to your composition.
Great photography.
Regards.

Francis Xavier

Jardim (3197) 2009-05-08 14:36

Olá Paul,

A hight position of this fortress, a hight view, a beautiful photo.

JJ

gracious (20017) 2009-05-08 15:57

Bonjour Paul,
Thank you for this awesome view that well captured the best pov to view through the vastness of this place!
very sharp with beautiful sunlight, nice colour and details
best regards
merci
Tony

emka (22285) 2009-05-08 16:59

Hi Paul, Impressive place and not for me. I fear the height even looking at the photo. How could the build it? Very beautiful church. Excellent POV and amazing colours and sharpness. I like the view of the grasses on the rocks. Very natural.

Regards

Malgorzata

trekks (14334) 2009-05-08 18:34

hi Paul

wow!

This is the kind of mountain trek and scenery that I would like to see and climb.

I think your composition is superb. I really like the diagonal of the cliff ending near the bottom right corner and leaving a bit of blue water. The curve of the cliff is amazing from this POV. Good sharpness.

Great work! Please take me there!

tfs, bill

dvlazar (6488) 2009-05-08 21:37

Awesome photo! What a dramatic location to have such a place built. And you shot it so well with the vertical theme.

Great work,
Dave

ribeiroantonio (21967) 2009-05-08 21:54

I am guessing that access from the water would be extremely difficult!!! Anyway, today everything is different and I am sure you did not to climb the cliff to get the POV you had in mind. I really like the superb sense of depth and distance between the two levels in the picture. Well done.
Antonio

mkamionka (4946) 2009-05-08 23:38

Hi Paul,
I really like the composition: first of all two lines created by the coast in the foreground: one straight down and another more sinusoidal, and of course the other coastline far in the distance.
The Byzantine architecture is also so unique in Europe, and so popular e.g. in Greece, I like this usually small churches they are so typical there.
Very good work.
TFS,
M

bakes888 (18327) 2009-05-09 2:44

Hi Paul. Not a place to be if you suffer vertigo! ;-) Great photo, well chosen POF and well suited to the vertical format. Excellent colours and details also. Well captured and thanks for sharing.
Have a good weekend, Paul.

npecanhuk (14652) 2009-05-09 5:11

Hello Paul!
I really like this picture!
I'd like to point out some of my preferences: the composition - very intelligent, smart, unique and beautiful, the well chosen pov, the level of sharpness (adequate to my taste) and the correct exposure!
The result of this excellent photo job is a very interesting, attractive and wonderful picture!
TFS - congratulations!
Best regards,
Neyvan

asajernigan (14284) 2009-05-09 6:17

Paul,
Your composition is outstanding here using the vertical format to emphasize height. The placement of the ruins is great using the rocky foreground as a lead in for the shot. The inclusion of the water and town on the other side of the shot works well. The lighting and colors are great with excellent sharpness and detail.
TFS,
Asa

ellelloo (4951) 2009-05-09 8:07

Hello Paul,
An impressive church and in what an amazing place! Your photo shows the church in its environment with a superb way, from a great POV and with an excellent composition having many details to admire. The steep rock, on the edge of which the church rises, is indeed impressive too. Pleasant colours, perfect clarity and sharpness. Excellent photo work! Thanks for the good note too!
Greetings,
Lasse

Greg1949 (8519) 2009-05-09 9:01

Paul, this is a great capture (tell John I said so also please) The pov and the clear air that lets us see the far hill makes this a dramatic photo, really great work.

Greg

paura (39202) 2009-05-09 13:03

Paul,
beautiful and very interesting photo here. Amazing nature and architecture details on it. Nice technical settings also. Well done.

Amicalement

Paulo

kroupis (664) 2009-05-09 13:53

Hello Paul,
A superb shot of the Hagi Sophia,very good
picture with excellent contrast, excellent definition.
Nice time and right angle for this place.
I love Congratulation
Regards ilias (www.monemvasssia.gr)

diomed (4595) 2009-05-09 15:40

Hi Paul,
marvelous view of Agia Sofia !!!
You choosen a great POV with vertical frame that shows on foreground the church and then the sea and Gephira and the mountain. Well done, Congratulations!
Nice Sunday
Antonio

adramad (3968) 2009-05-09 17:00

Hello Paul.
A superb shot of this beautiful monastery, great colors and definition to admire everything good of this photo. The village to the shore of the sea they offer a good counterpoint.
Best regards.
Luis.

Dyerco (9296) 2009-05-09 22:51

Hi Paul
A beautiful shot that is sharp throughout and well exposed. Nicely composed with a bit of the town below that balances fortress above.
Phil

darek1978 (11491) 2009-05-10 3:51

Hello Paul,
Wow! Truly spectacular view. I like a lot your breatchtaking point of view and excellent composition. Congratulations! I'm very impressed.
Best regards,
Darek

stego (22448) 2009-05-10 9:49

Hi Paul,
The view is very scenic and the church is charming in its austerity and antique look. The compo is masterfully done, making the roughness and height of the scarp stand out much.
Regards,
José

Felip (3905) 2009-05-10 11:40

Bonjour Paul,
What a wonderful scenery.
The tight cropping is excellent.
Great POV, I like it a lot.
TFS

Regards

Felip

francio64 (11718) 2009-05-10 12:55

Ciao Paul,
bellissima immagine ed impressionante al tempo stesso.
Luogo che sembra essere affascinante e grazie al tuo POV verticale, ci permetti di ammirarlo nel modo migliore.

TFS!
Francesco

tober (4052) 2009-05-10 14:26

Hello Paul, very impressive architecture considering its height from the sea level and its position at the top such a peak. I liked the photo but if you had not zoomed that much it would even be much impressive in my opinion.

Best regards, Tolga

lousat (16052) 2009-05-10 16:20

Hi Paul,what a beautiful pic!!The point of view and the perspective are the best to show so perfectly and to understand at the best this wonderful place! My best best compliments,have a nice week,LUCIANO

TopGeo (22205) 2009-05-10 23:02

Hello Paul, Fantastic place. Located a improbable place, Amazing frame and splendid recording of citadel of Monemvasia with Hagia Sophia! Marvellous POV! I remember the difficult ascent there but this abrupt side of rock no..
compliments
Georgios

alftrek (2913) 2009-05-11 6:46

Hello Paul,
This is an incredible POV of the rocky cliff with the fortress at its top, decorated with refreshing spring time grass and wild flowers. The composition including the settlement down below creates a superb DOF. Nice work.

Alfred

Graal (58714) 2009-05-11 7:49

Hi Paul,
great place and interesting presentation. Well vertical composition, good informations. Solid work. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

peppe59 (2192) 2009-05-11 8:01

Ciao Paul,
grande taglio, grande foto.Colori e soggetti spettacolari.
Complimenti.
Giuseppe

Emile (20117) 2009-05-11 9:11

Hola Paul.
This is one of the best shot of the Hagi Sophia and the cliff edge that I have seen, very well captured from an excellent POV. The inclusion of the sea and the colorful town in the back is very good. Good work.
Best regards.

gunbud (28153) 2009-05-11 18:20

Hi Paul,
Wonderful vertical presentation of this magnificent medieval fortress that is seen in rich textures and sharp details.
Love the vegetation growin out of the cracks of this shear cliff and the glimps lovely village at the foot of the tall mountains by the sea.
Regards, Tom

foozi (4735) 2009-05-11 21:35

Hi Paul,
excellent presentation. Very classical canvas with very sharp and clear. I like the scenery. The harmony between colours and landscape is wonderful.
This magnificent photo is splendid in nature and beauty.

Regards,
Foozi

Atousa (3466) 2009-05-12 8:56

Salam Paul,

A nice shot of this well preserved old castle..I like the way you composed it with the town in the BG n the rocks full of spring flowers..its magnificent..thank you.
Best regards, Atousa

luighi (4286) 2009-05-12 10:12

Sencillamente espectacular Paul , una autentica delicia para los ojos contemplar esta fotografia con este maravilloso paraje .Impresionante.
Buenas tardes , Luis

vasilpro (9397) 2009-05-12 10:20

Hello Paul,
Excellent composition, very nice view, lovely colors, a great POV choice, very impressive photo.
Have a nice evening, Vasilis.

Pablo25 (1787) 2009-05-12 14:00

hello Paul,
very striking indeed, I must admit this is a landscape I would love to go and photograph. Very well taken.
regards
Pawel

emilbo (9635) 2009-05-12 16:02

Salut Paul,
Une merveilleuse photo qui nous fait lever la tête pour regarder en haut. Le forteresse perché sur le rocher est superbe de par son architecture. Bonne composition, bon rendu des couleurs et intéressante note historique.
Félicitations!... et bonne soirée,
Emilius

raszid62 (3475) 2009-05-12 23:16

hello
Bardzo interesuj±ce zdjêcie, doskona³y kadr, kolory i ostro¶æ.Interesuj±cy opis.
Best Regards
Joseph

dip (12844) 2009-05-12 23:42

Hi Paul,
beautiful photo of the church,excellent point of view,good sharpness and amazing colors,
Dimitris.

jhm (83298) 2009-05-13 4:20

Dag Paul,

Dit is werkelijk mooi gedaan door fr scheiding tussen de rotsen en het kleine stukje lang de oever van de rivier.
Mooi kwaliteits foto zeer mooi samngesteld en goed gepresenteerd, bedankt.

Groeten,
John.

photoray (1377) 2009-05-13 5:47

Hello Paul,
Inspiring image, rocky cliff and ancient church, excellent detail and depth. And informative notes.

Good job,
Ray

UlfE (9158) 2009-05-13 10:34

Hi Paul,

Splendid shot. The vertical format is perfect here and show how high the cliff is. You realise that is even higher than could be seen in the picture. Beautiful colours and excellent clarity. TFS and have a nice evening!

Cheers,

Ulf

lrw1966 (1632) 2009-05-14 6:31

Paul, Hi:

Splendid, really splendid with amazing notes, Thanks.

Larry

archimatica (13344) 2009-05-14 8:55

Hi Paul
A great shot of the Hagi Sophia on the cliff edge.
I like composition and lights.
Regards
Renzo

rodgerg (24937) 2009-05-14 11:00

Goed avond Paul,

Nog een zeer mooie beeld. Het POV wordt zeer goed gekozen en het beeld heeft een zeer goed vooruitzicht. Een beeld rijk in details zeer goed opgevangen.
Vriendeijk,
Roger

axiotea (16281) 2009-05-18 20:28

Hello Paul
An excellent pov to discover the fortress perched on top of the cliff dominating the town...I like the fact you have included a bit of the sea leading the eye to the other side.
Thanks for the detailed note.
Cheers
Marilyn

erdna (5360) 2009-05-20 9:27

This shot is giving me the fear of height! LOL. It is very nicely shot with a good point of view to emphasize the very high location of this fortress.

Andre'

kiks (6147) 2009-05-21 12:53

fantastic choice of pov you have here. The result is a lovely photo with a interesting perspective. What a contrast of architecture style with the buildings at the bg!
Best regards
KIKs

Hellas (5095) 2009-05-25 0:56

Extra fine framing thanks to the well-chosen point of view! I am sure you enjoyed this magnificent place!

One of the most beautiful posts from Monemvasia!

Thanks for sharing, Paul.

Regards,
Athanasios.

jaywalker (12302) 2009-05-25 11:59

Hi Paul, WOW Talk about living on the edge I just hope there is no back door, your cropping & excellent POV really show how high this cliff actually is, brilliant Greek architecture, the focus is out-standing & magnificent light, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

jarek (302) 2009-05-30 10:32

Hello Paul,

great photograph. I definitely can call it postcard perfect! Splendid composition, great sharpness, very well lit and saturated. I have never heard about this place before, but it is a definitely a place to visit!
Best regards,

Jarek.

mafegan (4483) 2009-05-31 21:12

Hello Paul
An excellent capture of this fortress and I like how you have included so much of the detailed rockface. The rocky hill behind and the glimpse of the houses completes the scene. Tfs, Marlene

Vanessa132 (1840) 2009-06-07 10:55

Hallo Paul,
super mooi zicht en architectuur!
goede POV en kleuren.
groeten,
Vanessa

Paul57 (1667) 2009-07-16 15:30

Hi Paul.
Beautiful photo and a great POV. I appreciate the fact that you also included the town in your capture. I can understand why this building is now inhabited; the residents probably fell down the cliff. I can't imagine wanting to live at such heights expecially knowing that the Mediteranean Sea is just below. TFS.
Paul

Yves-triga (3613) 2009-08-25 1:27

Hello paul,
a very nice vertical pov,
it's very impresionnant.
thank you for many explication.
i like your job
yves

ozensener (86) 2009-09-03 6:14

Hi Paul,
I really liked the localization of objects in your photo, and the colours are awesome.Congratulation!
Best regards,

Özen

Photo Information

Copyright: Paul VDV (PaulVDV) (5357)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-04-07
Categories: Nature, Architecture, Ruins
Camera: Canon PowerShot S1 IS
Exposure: f/4.5, 1/800 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Ney's favorite pictures of Greece II !, francio64 (My favourite/4) [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2009-05-08 11:19
Favorites: 1 [view]