The ancient town of  Mystras was built as an amphitheater around the fortress erected in 1249 by William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians, the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape. Mystras is situated on the slopes of Taygetos Mountain and the archaeological site stands above the modern village of Mystras and the city of Sparta.