The site of the Byzantine city (daily: summer 8am-8pm; winter 8am-2pm; ?3.50) comprises three main parts: the Káto Hóra (lower town), with the city's most important churches; the Áno Hóra (upper town), grouped around the vast shell of a royal palace; and the Kástro (castle). There are two entrances to the site, at the base of the lower town and up below the kástro ; once inside, the site is well signposted. A road loops up from the modern village of Néos Mystrás to Trypi, passing near both upper and lower entrances. Buses from Spárti always stop at the lower entrance, and usually go up to the top as well. It's a good idea to stock up on refreshments before setting out: there's a hygienic mobile snack bar at the lower gate, serving freshly pressed orange or lemon juices, but nothing at the upper one or in the site itself. This lack of commercialism within the site contrasts distinctly with Monemvasi?and contributes to the powerfully historic atmosphere at Mystra.

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