Mistra (or Mystras) was a Byzantine hill town which had a thriving community in the Middle Ages. Situated on the slopes of a foothill of the dramatic Taygetus mountains of the Peloponnese, the ruins of the town today look out over the town of ancient Sparti, home of the legendary Spartans, and the fertile Spartan Plain. Several lovely Byzantine churches survive here, as well as the thin and winding ancient streets. It’s a wonderful and magical spot. Getting to the top, the castle, isn’t easy, and I was caught in a sleet storm when I got up there. But it was spectacular and worth it to get shots down like this one.