Otto’s new Sparta

By decree of King Otto, Sparta was refounded in 1834 on its ancient site, and the people of Mystras gradually moved down to it (UNESCO). The plan, by the Bavarian Friedrich Stauffert, followed Hippodamian principles over about 600 stremmata, with wide straight streets crossing at right angles; Konstantinou Palaiologou and Lykourgou are the main axes.

**KING OTTO**Otto in Greek national costume, painting by Carl Rahl. Photo: Carl Rahl, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

**SPARTA**A church square in the modern town. Photo: Pericles Gregoriou.

TO BE VERIFIEDSome sources date the founding decree to 1832 (archaiologia.gr) rather than 1834. The exact date of the decree and the Stauffert attribution should be checked against the Government Gazette (FEK).

Sources: UNESCO; lakonikos.gr; realsparta.gr.