Wall Cistern: A Glimpse into Monemvasia's Water Management

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Explore the historical Wall Cistern in Monemvasia, a testament to Byzantine engineering and the town's resourceful past.

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Wall Cistern

The Wall Cistern in Monemvasia is a historical landmark showcasing Byzantine engineering. This underground water reservoir was crucial for sustaining life in the fortress, highlighting the ingenuity required to thrive atop a rock surrounded by the Aegean Sea.

A brief summary to Wall Cistern

Monemvasia, 230 70, GR

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as the streets of Monemvasia, including the path to the cistern, are cobbled and can be uneven.
Visit the cistern during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience a more peaceful atmosphere.
Combine your visit to the Wall Cistern with a tour of the Upper Town for a comprehensive historical experience.

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Getting There

Walking

From Monemvasia's main gate, walk straight ahead onto the main street. Continue through the town, following signs towards the historical sites. The Wall Cistern is located within the lower town, easily accessible on foot. There are no specific costs involved in reaching the cistern as it is within the main town and accessible to all.
Public Transport

If arriving by bus to Monemvasia's new town, walk across the causeway to the main gate of the old town. From there, follow the walking directions to the Wall Cistern. A bus ticket from the new town to the entrance of Monemvasia is approximately €1-2. Note that buses run frequently during the summer.
Taxi

From the new town of Monemvasia, a taxi can drop you off at the entrance of the old town. From there, follow the walking directions to the Wall Cistern. A short taxi ride from the new town to the Monemvasia gate costs approximately €7, with a base fare of €3.50 and €0.70 per kilometer.

Discover more about Wall Cistern

The Wall Cistern in Monemvasia offers a fascinating look into the ingenuity required to sustain life in this unique fortress town. Built during the Byzantine era, the cistern was part of an organized water supply system designed to collect rainwater, a necessity due to the lack of natural springs on the island.These underground reservoirs were essential for the town's survival, especially when Monemvasia was a bustling center of trade and culture. The cisterns are rectangular, vaulted constructions coated with hydraulic mortar to ensure sealing. Public cisterns were located in common areas, temples, and other public buildings. Ottoman traveler Evliya Celebi noted many communal cisterns in Monemvasia in 1670.Exploring the cool, shadowy depths of the Wall Cistern offers a serene escape from the sun-drenched streets of Monemvasia. The architecture showcases the advanced engineering skills of the Byzantine era, with vaulted ceilings and intricately carved stone walls.