Today, only two of them, one in the Upper and one in the Lower Town, grant passage down the fascinating path of Byzantine history, culture, ambition, and scheming. The Central Gate is just a few meters away from the ample car park, while visitors can expect to find the Upper Gate just before they reach the monastery of Agia Sophia Zoodotou.
The Gate of Monemvasia, or Iron Gate, was the only passage between the Upperand the Lower Town. Needless to mention its material of manufacture, it was also protected by a strong, four-sided tower with embrasures, which would definitely hold in case of attack by considerable numbers of heavily armed soldiers. The Gate of Nafplio was another strong entry and exit point, further fortified by a complex of towers. Both eponymous gates were used by people wishing to travel to the direction of the respective towns of the Peloponnese (Monemvasia and Nafplio).
