The medieval town of Monemvasia in Laconia is an exquisitely preserved fully-functional and fully inhabited settlement. It has a unique, eerie mysticism linked to its fascinating history. Standing at the highest tip of Monemvasia is the Church of Agia Sofia, among the oldest and most important Byzantine churches in Greece, with a great view of the Aegean Sea. This church was originally established in the 12th century by the Byzantine emperor Andronicus II and it was dedicated to Panagia Hodegetria, which means the Virgin who leads the way.