Geráki, a quiet little town occupying the site of ancient Geronthrai, lies in an impressive setting in a high valley in the Párnon range, 41km/ 25mi southeast of Sparta. From its heyday in Byzantine times, under the rule of the Despots of Mistra, Geráki preserves many churches and chapels, the most notable of which is Áyios
Ioánnis. On the way up to the Frankish castle (an hour's walk, first southeast, then to the left beyond the cemetery) are a number of other churches, including the 12th century Ayía Paraskeví.