Modern Sparta and the Statue of Leonidas
On Gingerguide's self-guided Mystras, Monemvasia & the Mani audio tour, Modern Sparta and the Statue of Leonidas is a stop worth about ~60 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Mystras, Monemvasia & the Mani Mystras, Monemvasia & the Mani guide
About Modern Sparta and the Statue of Leonidas
Modern Sparta, a planned town of 1834 with palm-lined avenues and neoclassical buildings, with a modern statue of King Leonidas and an old archaeological museum closed for renovation.
King Otto founded the new town in 1834 on the site of the ancient city, as the first town in Greece built to a plan. Its main avenue leads to a bronze statue of Leonidas from the late 1960s, inscribed Molon labe. The Archaeological Museum, founded in 1875, is closed for renovation and extension.
The statue and the streets can be seen at any time. The museum is likely to stay closed until the works end, so check locally. Sparta is a good base for Mystras, about four kilometres to the west.
Did you know? Modern Sparta was founded in 1834 by decree of King Otto, on the site of the ancient city, as the first planned town of Greece.
How much time do you need at Modern Sparta and the Statue of Leonidas?
Around ~60 min works well for Modern Sparta and the Statue of Leonidas — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Modern Sparta and the Statue of Leonidas?
Yes — Modern Sparta and the Statue of Leonidas made the cut as one of 13 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Mystras, Monemvasia & the Mani. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Mystras, Monemvasia & the Mani
Mystras, Monemvasia & the Mani guide →
Day 1 of the Mystras, Monemvasia & the Mani in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Modern Sparta and the Statue of Leonidas
Preview the Mystras, Monemvasia & the Mani tour free in the Gingerguide app.