On the eastern side of the promontory, outside the town, stands the oldest church of Monemvasia, dedicated to Agia Sofia (Wisdom of God). The position is spectacular, on a rocky ridge overlooking the sea, from which the view sweeps over the entire surrounding area. The church of Agia Sofia was built in the twelfth century at the behest of Emperor Andronico II who dedicated it to the Vegine Maria, later, under Venetian rule, it was transformed into a Catholic convent and consecrated to the Wisdom of God, taking the name it still retains today of Agia Sofia.
