The still imposing bulk and monumental height of the buildings on this high-lying terrace immediately indicate that these edifices were once palaces. In spite of the ravages of time and the poor quality of the materials used, there is an awesome air about the group of ruined buildings, which, for a span of nearly three centuries, formed the seat of two Byzantine dynasties and of numerous foreign and Greek princes.
The various buildings of the Palace comprise two wings, which almost form a right angle whose apex is at the northern section of the level space, thus shutting off any approach from the north and east sides. The level space thus formed - unique on this conical hill - was the scene of numerous public assemblies. Later, during the Turkish occupation, it served as a market place
On public holidays the inhabitants assembled here to watch solemn processions; on the Prince's name-day they came to wish him 'many years of life'. Here strolled Plethon, the famous philosopher, surrounded by students who had journeyed from the four corners of the Byzantine world to listen to his teachings. The ruins which now occupy the two other sides of the terrace and confine the open space considerably belong to the Turkish period. The only building of the late Byzantine period is a fountain, commissioned by the Cantacuzenoi, the ruins of which may be discerned at the north-west of the terrace.
The various apartments of the Palace were not all built at the same time. The first apartment on the right of the level space has pointed Gothic windows and a small balcony. It is the oldest section of the whole group of buildings and betrays Western European architectural influences. Although named the palace of Cantacuzenoi, it undoubtedly dates back to the short period of Frankish rule.
The next edifice - on the same side, and extending as far as the north-east of the whole complex- is dated to the period of the Cantacuzenoi(1350-1400) and includes the Despot's private apartments which consisted of spacious chambers on each storey, a palace chapel on the top floor and, on the east side, overlooking the alley of the Eurotas, an open colonnade supported by five pilasters and decorated with a series of small arches similar to those on the mansions of the local aristocracy.

he north side of the Palace built during the period of the Palaeologoi(1400-1460), is a single structural unit. The facade recalls the Palace of Constantine Porphyrogenitus in Constantinople, as well as Early Italina Renaissance palaces. Its present aspect is very unprepossessing; gone are the grace and beauty provided by the two-storied colonnade of the facade, of which all that remains are the bases of pilasters. On the level above the ground floor are eight vaulted chambers which do not communicate with each other. These probably served as the headquarters of various state services, and must have been crowded with gorgeously robed signatories and courtiers. The whole of the second story forms a single large hall. Between two large windows, embellished with late Gothic arches, overlooking the level space, projects an apse in which the throne was placed.Here were held the assemblies and solemn ceremonies; here foregathered the foreign emissaries. A stone beach, on which visitors and courtier sat, still surrounds the walls of the entire chamber.
A series of large rectangular windows runs along the length of the facade surmounted by another row in the form roundels and squares. The hall was consequently well lighted. Along the north wall eight fireplaces which, connected with hearths in the vaulted apartments of the first storey, heated both the hall and the entire building during the winter.

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