monuments – churches – museums

Application to Extend
the LESVOS PETRIFIED FOREST
EUROPEAN and GLOBAL GEOPARK
to include the remaining area of LESVOS ISLAND for
membership in the European Geopark Network
LESVOS - GREECE
2009

MONUMENTS – CHURCHES – MUSEUMS –
GASTRONOMY
ANCIENT CHURCHES
TEMPLE OF CLOPEDI
The temple of Clopedi was first built in 8th b.c. Its final appearance was completed at
6th b.c and the temple was encompassed with 46 columns having Aeolian capitals.
Aeolian capitals of Taxiarches Troullotis in Napi, coming from the temple of Clopedi.
Their main characteristics are the two big helixes.
The arrow shape medieval bridge of "Cremasti" is saved while the liver Tsiknia was
flowing below.
TEMPLE OF MESSON
The sanctuary of Messon is located at "Koukala" or "kokkala" of the Messa region, at
the rural area of Agia Paraskevi in Lesbos. In antiquity it was situated at the north
boundaries of the territory of the ancient city of Pyrra and in the middle (centre) of

the island of Lesbos with its name "Messon" originating from the Aeolic type of the
word. The octastyle, pseudo-dipteral, ionic temple of the second half of the 4th
century b.C. has integrated the archaic devotional building and its supplementary
buildings. In the 3rd-4rth century A.D. the temple is destroyed, its architectural
members smached and calcified in the kilns that were built adjacent to and around
the temple.
The basilica of the early Christian period is built on the floor of the late classical
temple, while the cult continues at the same spot until today, where the post
Byzantine church (naiskos) of Taxiarches is found. The Christian temples always
had a cemetery by which is evident by the xcavated tombs found on he floor of the
ancient temple and the surrounding area.
"Αt the sanctuary situated in the middle of the island" the four cities of Lesbos,
Mytilene, Methymna, Antissa and Eressus come together and take a common
decision: for the augmentation and the union of the Lesbians:, according to an
inscription dated around 200-167 B.C. In Messon, judges from Miletus come to
resolve the differences of the two cities of Lesbos: Mythimna and Eressos.
The panlesbian temple of Messon seems to share the same fate with the Koinon
(commonwealth) of Lesbians from the archaic period until the 2nd century A.D.. This
is the sanctuary identified with the "large temenos that can be seen from afar, for all
the Lesbians" mentioned by the Lesbian poet Alcaeus. At this temple the Lesbians
have established the altars dedicated to the "Immortal Blessed Gods" to Zus Antiaos
(the Suppliant), to "the Aeolian Mistress, famed mother of all ", identified with HERA
and to the "Kemelion", Omophage Dionysus", the so called Lesbian Triad. The same
poet informs us about the annual celebrations and the beauty contests that took
place at the temple.

The union of the five cities of Lesvos (Mytilene, Mythimna, Antissa, Eressos and
Pyrra) especially during the period of the island;s liberation by Alexander the Great is
expressed with the erection of a very important monument at the centre of the island,
in Messon. In the beginning of 2nd century B.C. the temenos became more than a
devotional place; It was also the seat of the Lesbian Koinon (Commonwealth), as
well as th meeting point of the island and the place for exchanging ideas. In those
years, the temple of Messon unites the Lesbians under religious, political, military
and judiciary institutions.
The ionic temple of Messon is one of the most important monuments of Lesbos.
From the ancient temple only the foundations remain, with the interior of the
crepida's tiers, while the niche of the temple of the early Christian basilica, along with
the post-Byzantine church (naiskos) of Taxiarches can also be seen. The brittle
material of the foundations' stones led the archaeologists to take immediate
measures to protect it by covering it with a protective plaster.
PALAEO – CHRISTIAN OF CHALINADOS
The palaeo-christian temple of Chalinados was built in 550 - 600 a.C. The temple
consists of three aisles and a narthex. The main temple is square with an arch at the
east side.
The aisles are separated with two rows of columns with anaglyph capitals.

MONASTERIES
AGIOS RAPHAEL
Settled at the N.E. side of the island, 3 km away from Thermi settlement, the
monastery was built where an old Basilica Temple was. Remnants of the Basilica
can be find at the area (frescoes, red tiled floor, the icon of Pantokratoras).
We can see three periods: (α) from 10th century till 1235, (b) from 1433 up to 1463 -
year of destruction from the Turks, with Agios Raphael as a monk and (c) from 1962
till today. It is a monastery for women, built to honor to the Saint.
It is one of the most important monasteries of the island and helps a lot to the
economical development of the area.
TAXIARCHIS MICHAEL
It is a Byzantine monastery that was abandoned after the Turkish occupation (1462),
while the temple was rebuilt in 1879.

Between the old items and icons of the monastery, there is the icon of Taxiarchis
Michael, which according to the tradition was made by clay and the blood of the
slaughter monks, that died during the distraction of the monastery by the Turks.
The monastery is only a few kilometers away from the town of Mandamados.
LEIMONOS MONASTERY – AGIOS IGNATIOS
Leimonos Monastery was built at the centre of Lesvos island, 3 klm N.W. from
Kalloni. The catholic part of the monastery is dedicated to Pamegistous Taxiarches.

It was built in 1523 by the metropolitan of Mythimna Ignatios Agalianos, his name is
honored nowadays, while during the Turkish occupation was the only spiritual centre
on the island. The Catholic is an imposing temple of Basilica style, with a wood
curved temple and frescoes.
It consists of a rich in books library while an Ecclesiastic art museum and Geological
museum work (1990).
MONASTERY OF VIRGIN MARY MIRSINIOTISSA
This monastery was settled very close to Leimonos monastery, was reformed in
1523 and was dedicated to Virgin Mary.
Inside there are valiable icons, an old wood curved temple and important frescoes.
MONASTERY OF PERIVOLI
The Monastery of Perivoli is settled N.W. 3 km away from Antissa. Is a women
monastery, dedicated to Theotokos (Virgin Mary), that reformed at the years of
Turkish occupation (1630). Interesting are the icons of the wooden temple and the
frescoes (16th century).

MONASTERY OF PITHARIOU
The monastery of Pithariou is N.E. of Eresos (3 km). It is dedicated to Taxiarches
and its foundation counts back to Medieval years.
It is a Byzantine Monastery with valuable icons, ecclesiastic items and frescoes.
MONASTERY OF IPSILOU
Built at the top of the mountain Ordimos, between Antissa and Sigri, is dedicated to
Agios Ioannis Theologos.
The position that is built reveals that constructed in Medieval years (800 a.C). The
Catholic is distinguish by the frescoes, while a number of valuable ecclesiastic items
are kept inside.
MONASTERY OF DAMANDRIOS
Byzantine monastery (14th century), dedicated to Virgin Mary. Inside there are
remarkable Byzantine technique and frescoes. Is 5km away from Polichnitos.

CHURCHES
METROPOLITAN CHURCH OF AGIOS ATHANASIOS
The Metropolitan Church of Agios Athanasios is in the centre of Mytilene. It was built
at the 16th century, in a cross shape. It is dedicated to Agios Athanasios (saint
Athanasios) and inside the church the sacred bones of Agios Theodoros are kept-the
protector of the city.
The wooden temple inside the church, is one of the best of the met Byzantine period
(1738), and the icon of Jesus is a relic from Minor Asia (16th century).
AGIOS THERAPON
An imposing spot at the area of the port of Mytilene, is the biggest Church of the city.
Built in 1860 in Byzantine cross style, while inside there are two remarkable icons, of
Jesus (14th century) and Ioannis Theologos (15th century).

AGIOI THEODOROI
ARCHANGEL GABRIEL
It is one of the most ancient churches of
Mytilene.
It was constructed at the Byzantine era
and rebuilt in 1759 in Basilica style, after a
fire.
Inside the church there are remarkable
Hagiographies and Ecclesiastic items.
It is 6 km south of Mytilene, at the area named Kagiani or Taxiarches.
Built in 1903 in Byzantine style, cross shape, with a Gothic style dome. The temple is
rich in sacred icons, items and frescoes and is an important prostration of the island.
PANAGIA (VRGIN MARY) AGIASSOY
Settled in Agiasos its name originates from an old icon of Virgin Mary, made by the
Evangelist Louka, that according to the tradition the monk Agathonos brought in 803
from Jerusalem that used to be called Agia Sion. The hermitage of Agathonas soon
became a place of prostration that evolved to the development of town of Agiasos.

The church we see today was built in 1814. The church hostiles the Ecclesiastic
museum with an important collection of scripts, items and other ecclesiastic things. It
is an important prostration of the island.
VIRGIN MARY GLIKOFILOUSA
It is built on a rock in Petra area where 114 stairs have chased and lead to the
church.
This strategic place of construction has to do with the period of pirates' attack (post
Byzantine era). Inside the church there are rare Byzantine icons and a spectacular
Episcopal throne.
This church is an important prostration for the island.
VIRGIN MARY GORGONA
It is built N.E. of Mytilene, 48 klm away, on a small rock in the sea, at the picturesque
port of Skala Skamnias.
The chapel took its name from the homonymous icon that represents Virgin Mary as
a Mermaid (Gorgona in Greek) (work of art of an anonymous painter).
CHURCH OF PANAGIA TROULLOTI – PIRGOI THERMIS

Built in the area of Pirgoi Thermis, at the eastern side of Lesvos island this church
belongs to the category of basilica with dome and probably was built on 14th
century. Is the oldest Orthodox Christian monument, after the monastery of Periboli,
a monastery that is saved in Lesvos.
On the walls of the church there are embodied parts of elder buildings. Great interest
show 2 marble anaglyph at the southern wall of the narthex that adorned with human
and animal figures (deer and bear), probably coming from the ancient church of
Thermia Artemis.
Inside there is a wooden temple (18th century) that is one of the best samples of
Post Byzantine wood carving in Lesvos. Is dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin
Mary and not to the Ruler of everything.
CHURCH OF AGIOS STEFANOS MANDMADOS
Settled at the eastern side of the island close to Mandamados. Is a cross style
Basilica that constructed in post Byzantine era. Is a small church made of red color .
At first was covered with a dome, that collapsed in the middle of 19th century. The
roof reconstructed by the local people, by putting wooden rooftrees and tiles. At the
eastern side there are three circled archades, while vaulting adorn the south and
north wall. There are embodied architecture parts of an oldest temple and a roman
sign.

CASTLES – MUSEUMS
MYTILINI CASTLE
Built at the top of a pine tree hill, close to the port of Mytilene, one of the biggest
castles of Mediterranean.
Its construction started during the Byzantine era (483-565 a.C.) and completed
during the domination of Gatelouzi. (1355-1462). In 1373 built a multi-tower with
dices. In 1384 a destructive earthquake demolished the castle that was rebuilt. Later
was reinforced with defensive projects and in 1462 was seized by the Turks.
Today the palace of Gatelouzi is saved, a square tower with embodied slate, where
the blazon of Gatelouzi is performed. Also at the external gate there is a slate with
the blazon of Paleologi. During the Turkish occupation made some additional works
and a Turkish seminary was constructed, a building that is saved till today.
Through the castle underground paths, that where used as a shelter for women and
children of the city during the war and a water sink of 4.000 cubic meters.

Today is used as a place for cultural activities.
CASTLE OF MYTHIMNA
Built during the Byzantine era on the remnants of ancient, walls in order to defend
themselves from Turks and Franks, and completed in 1373 from Francisco
Gatelouso and reinforced by the Turks in 1462.
It is a well - built castle, constructed with red and brown stones, with strong walls,
signs, blazons e.t.c. The castle has many levels, while extremely beautiful
monument is the central entrance made of thick wood, covered with fancy metal
slates.

It was built at the top of a pine-trees hill and considered as one of the most well
preserved castles of Eastern Mediterranean. Nowadays it is a place of cultural
activities.
SIGRI CASTLE
It is a small stone castle, built at the Turkish occupation, sample of Ottoman
technique. Built in 1757 or 1767 from Suleiman Pasha (vice admiral of the Ottoman
Navy) in order to protect the commercial port from the pirates.
It is quite small, square, with square supporting towers at the four corners. The
central gate at the east side was closed with a two-door gate, with metal foils.
Adorned with an arch - sample of Arabian architecture - constructed with red and
white stones. Similar are the cells, inside the castle, that used for guards stay.
Today the castle is preserved in a quite good condition. The visitor can admire
Turkish signs and decoration, that show an Eastern character. It is a few kilometres
far from the settlement of Sigri and has great view.

ROMAN AQUADUCT
Settled about 600m away from Moria (6 klm away from Mytilene), is a unique stony
construction from the roman era (second a.C. century) and was brought water from
Agiasos to the city of Mytilene.
Nowadays, the biggest part of the aquaduct is well preserved and it is named
"kamares": 12 pessaries and 7 kamares made with grey marble, coming from a
neighbor quarry.
At the top was the water channel.
The water used to gather from the lake of Olympos, while water was taken from
other springs also. Other parts of the aquaduct are saved in many places of central
Lesvos.
The part in Moria is 170 meters long and 27 meters high, while has 17 arches.

MUSEUM OF THEOFILOS CHATZIMICHAIL
It is settled in the area named Varia, outside Mytilene. A building of austere
architecture, designed by the Lesbian architect Gianoulelli and built in 1964 in a
region full of olive trees and plants. The building was a donation of Teriade, an also
important artist of Lesvos Island. Inside the museum there are 86 paintings of the
famous painter Theofilos, some of which were donated of Teriade, from his personal
collection to the Municipality of Mytilene.
Theofilos Chatzimichail, as a self educated painter, is the main representative
of Greek pop art of 20th century. He was born (1868-1934) in Varia, a place
where he spent his childish years and a place that he loved and expressed
this love through his work. He knocked around, from Smyrni to Pilio and
Larisa where he creates the first two periods of his painting. After the
liberation of Lesvos Island (1912) he goes back to Mytilene so as to complete
the third and the last period of his work. At this time he met Teriade, a man
that helped him to become known and promoted him internationally.
Theofilos art is represented by a great in quantity painting work and wall-painting

work (houses and shops) in Lesvos and Pilio. His themes were historical and
sentimental mainly - express his two basic elements: patriotism and an inclination to
romanticism. He takes inspiration from the history of Greek tribe, starting from
antiquity till 1821, the year of Greek Revolution. Greek history gives him his heroes:
Alexander the great, Kostantinos Palaiologos, Kolokotronis, Markos Mpotsaris e.t.c.
From the novels takes the figures of Aretousa, Romeo and Juliet and many other
women. We have to mention that a source of inspiration was the natural environment
also. The Greek landscape and idyllic scenes follow his paintings.
His art has all the characteristics of pure pop art: bright colors, authenticity,
ingenuousness and honesty, elements that bring balance to some historic
inaccuracies and technical clumsiness.The paintings that exposed in the
museum belong to the mature period of his paintings where color harmony,
realism and liveliness are joined. Soon in the city of Mytilene the visitor will
have the ability to visit the house where the painter lived many years and will
became a museum.

MODERN ART MUSEUM – TERIADE LIBRARY (ELEFTHERIADIS)
It is very close to the building that houses the museum of Theofilos, in Varia. Stratis
Elefteriadis was born in Mytilene (1897-1983), while in a small age goes to Paris,
studies jurally but his love for painting leads him to became an art critic. He
cooperated with publishers of his era in magazine and book editions, while in 1937
initiates his own publishing company "VERVE", publishing the homonymous
magazine, where many famous writers, painters and poets cooperate with him
(copies of the magazine are exposed in the entrance of the museum. Teriade had
the inspiration to encourage many artists-friends so as to publish "The great Books".
While VERVE magazine was a reproduction of paintings, "The great Books" are
originally, handmade, in a small number of copies (180-250), numbered and signed
by the artist.
The idea of an illustrated book is a result of his publishing experience and deep
knowledge with painting and scripts of the Medieval. In 1964 offered to the
Municipality of Mytilene the museum of Theofilos and later creates the Modern Art
Museum, construct the building, a design of the architect G.Gianoulelli, in the same
area where Theofilos museum is settled.
In every room of the museum there is a showcase with "The great Books", while on
the walls there are pictures and pages exposed to each visitor. The pages on the

walls are the final testing copies, before the printing of the book. Through these
pictures the visitor can observe the creative try of painting-poetry. This was the
purpose of Teriade and he managed to achieve this in so high degree that the
museum could renamed to "Open Book".
In the museum there are also 37 paintings of Theofilos, 6 paintings of Tsarouxis and
three off Kaligiannis.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (OLD BUILDING)
Placed in the area of south port of Mytilene it is housed in a wonderful mansion, built
in 1912, in peculiar style, that is considered preserved. In the main building idols,
ceramics and jewelry from the pre-historic to the Roman era are exposed. At the
manor and courtyard heavy items such as aeolian capitals from the ancient temples
of Clopedi, signs, anaglyph, statues and coins from the Ancient and Roman times
are exposed. The museum houses the following collections: findings of the K
department of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, findings from the cave of Agios
Vartholomeos and exhibits from donations (Simantiris, Grimanis, Alatza, Lagou,
Mpinou e.t.c.).
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (NEW BUILDING)
Housed in a very modern (1995) exhibition area close to the old building of the “old”
Archaeological museum, the museum hostiles the permanent exhibition named
"Lesvos from Hellenistic to the Roman era", initiated in 1999 and has as a purpose to
show to the visitor the way of living in Lesvos from the 2d b.C. till 3d a.C., by
showing items, utensils, sculptures e.t.c. The exhibition is completed with scripts,
maps and other things so as the visitor to understand better the exhibits. The
museum has tilled floor and frescoes from luxury villas that discovered to the hill of
Agia Kiriaki - signs of the great economic development of Mytilene in 2d b.C. and
remarkable samples of sculpture from Hellenistic and Roman times (anaglyphs,
statues and portraits.

BYZANTINE ART MUSEUM
It is settled at the centre of Mytilene, opposite to the Church of Agios
Therapon, and was built in 1978. The museum houses important ecclesiastic items
of the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine period. The exhibits are sacred utensils, wood
curved items, scripts, old books e.t.c. The icons collection covers the period between
the 13th and 19th century. Extremely impressing are 3 icons of big dimensions:
Pantokratoras, Agios Ioannis Theologos and Agios Georgios.

PETRIFIED FOREST OF LESVOS
At the Western part of Lesvos Island, there is the petrified forest, a unique
monument of nature, of very important Geological, Environmental and
Paleontological importance.
Researches have proved that 20 million years ago volcanicity at the area of N.E.
Aegean sea, caused the movement of volcanic material, that with an extremely great
speed covered the forest, while the isolation of the phytogenic tissue from the
surface, the hydrothermal circulation of warm silicon liquid, caused the absolute
petrifaction of the flora in this area.
Today, through the erosion of the volcanic stones, impressing trunks have revealed
(20m width), while their diameter is about 3m. Excavations made by the Natural
History Museum (1997) cooperated with the Lesvos Forests Management, have
revealed findings with great scientific worth, such as the trunk of a petrified tree (
Taxodioxylon albertense) that is the biggest in Europe ( 7,02m height, 8,58m
perimeter).
Other petrified trunks that belonged to bays, cypresses, sycamores e.t.c. are
exposed to the museum.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
In 1985, the Greek State - with presidential enactment - proclaimed the Petrified
Forest as a Preserved Monument of Nature, aiming to protect it. In 1994 a super-
modern Museum was built, in order to protect, research and preserve the museum.

The building constructed with stonework made by grey lava as the major ingredient
of the area.
Next to the museum, a Petrified Forest Park was founded, where petrified trees and
trunks are exposed to the visitors. The most important findings of the park are the
roots of the petrified tree trunks.
Roots and trunks with wonderful colors are coming into view through the volcanic
ashes that encloses them.
NATURAL HISTORY LAOGRAPHIC MUSEUM IN VRISA
It is worthmentioning the existence of Natural History Collection in Vrisa where many
paleontological findings are kept. These findings are of great worth for the whole
world.
In 1999 for the first time the World conference took place in Polichnitos and Vrisa
and many famous scientists participated.

Dream of the local community is to initiate a branch of Athens University in Vrisa, for
the development of scientific research and tourist development.
In the same area the Laographic museum gives you the opportunity to admire many
traditional items.

OLIVE OIL AND OLIVES
Ancient Greeks used olive branches as the highest reward to winners of Olympic
Games, while the oil was used for therapeutic reasons, beautifying, for illumination
and nutrition. The fruit of the tree of victory and peace was used for the therapy of
headaches, throat aches, ear pains, dislocations, fractures, wounds and as a means
of rubbing medication, massage and as a medical plaster, as a disinfectant and a
cosmetic, even as and antidote for poisoning. Olive oil is believed to help the
development of the central nervous system and of the brain and has been proved of
having beneficial properties with regards to heart related illnesses, cholesterol,
constipation, gall-stone, indigestion and ageing problems.
The ΄΄Gold Liquid΄΄ of Homer is the backbone of Greek nutrition from his era to ours
and justifies victoriously with world wide success and proclaims the "Mediterranean
Diet" as the most beneficial and healthy "diet system" that one might select. How and
why olive oil together with bread, pulse, vegetables and fish contribute to such a
nutritional triumph you will discover once you basically adopt such a diet and enjoy
later the results in your body system. The virgin Lesbian olive oil is rich in single
insatiable fatty acids as opposed to other seed-oils which basically have multi
insatiable fatty acids.
It is known the fatty acids in oil firstly affect the degree of oxidation when frying and
then separate in unhealthy substances having bad odour. Olive oil has the
charismatic identity to have special stamina to frying due to the natural anti oxidation
contents allowing it to be used repeatedly without the fear of oxidation. With the use

of seed-oils for frying, not only do we effect the taste and odour of the food but the oil
achieves health hazard identities.
On the other hand the consistency of the organic characteristics of olive oil even
after frying and cooking transfers a pleasant taste and aroma in our nourishment. As
a result syntheses of the gastric fluids are modified and digestion is facilitated. The
virgin olive oil of Lesvos which exceeds the colour of gold contains only a minimal
amount of chlorophyll as a result of the traditional way of gathering of olives and their
special variety.
Thus our packed olive oil has better resistance to time because chlorophyll, when
exposed to light speeds oxidation. This is the virgin olive oil of Lesvos, a natural thin
liquid of the olive tree and a unique source of precious Vitamin E.
At Lesvos island three species of olive trees thrive mainly: “Adrammytian”, “Kolovi”
and “Roupada”. Eleven millions olive trees offer their valuable fruit which is famous
all over the world. Olives! Green, crushed, half-ripened half-bitter and carved, stored
in salt-water. Black wrinkled and salted from the basket or the jug and pickled,
accompanied by slices of freshly cut lemon, necessary with ouzo drink at the fishtaverns!

OUZO OF LESVOS ISLAND
Ouzo is a spirituous drink that is made only in Greece with traditional way, with
aromatic plants of the Greek land. It is produced by the mixture of many alcohols,
which have been flavored with aniseed and other aromatic plants such as fennel,
mastic e.t.c. The proportion of alcohol that is produced in our island is between
37.5% to 48% vol.
A place so beautiful, like the land of Lesvos, that praised and became inspiration for
poets, painters and writers, with plenty of sunlight and many types of aniseed, was
natural to generate the production of ouzo.
Ouzo of Lesvos has a 200 year history. Before 1800, ouzo is already known on the
island. It is an eponymic product that is exported to the Eastern countries.
Many of the distilleries that initiated and worked the last century did not make to
"survive" and closed. The rest have a quite good profile in local market, while some
of them managed to export ouzo and expand in Greece and the rest of the world.
Ouzo is the traditional and the most favorite Greek spirit. Ouzo of Lesvos has its own
personality, its own taste, its own legacy and secrets that are known to the

producers. These secrets have made ouzo a high quality product, either as Lesvos
ouzo, or ouzo of Plomari.
Is used as aperitif, plain or with water added. Usually is enjoyed with traditional
delicacies such as fish, octopus and squid. Some people prefer to drink it with ice
cubes as a long drink. Nowadays ouzo is a very famous drink all over the world.
DAIRY PRODUCTS
It is obvious that Lesvos island, maintains its traditional color and resist to
innovations of contemporary life. The older and new generations remain faith to the
traditional nutrition standards, increasing the demand of agricultural and cattleraising
products.
This inclination to the Greek way of life and nutritional way is comprehensible since
all the dairy products of the island, preserve their quality (ladotiri, feta, kaser, e.t.c.).
And this preference to the products is unchangeable, not only for the local
consumers but for the rest of the country.
Natural flora and the tribes of sheep-goats are the basic elements that give this
perfect milk (fine composition)- that could by characterized as ecological- this milk
process the cheese making units, by putting into practice traditions, knowledge and
craftsmanship that passed from one generation to the other.
Human factor is determinant to this unique tasty results, since their best quality is
linked with the knowledge of the biotope, the way of feeding and the traditional way
of cheese making.
That is why we can enjoy the spicy taste of graviera, the freshness of feta and the
mature sense of ladotiri.

SALTED FISH & SHELLS
One of the main products of Lesvos island are the salted fish. When we say salted
we mean fish that are proceeded and preserved only in salt, put up in various sizes
of cans.
In Lesvos municipality, work many small industries that proceed and can salted fish.
Capability of conservation starts from 20 and can go up to 400 tones yearly,
according to the makings of every industry and the production that bring the fish
boats.
Productive procedure becomes with an empirical way meaning that there is only one
technique that is used for preservation and this is salt and no other ingredient.
This procedure passes through the generations and becomes better and better.
The way of production is traditional and is made only with hands not machinery.
The kinds of fish that the small industries proceed are sardine, mackerel, cavalla,
anchovy and salted tuna. The fishing starts from March and ends at October, apart
from salted tuna that is found after October.
The quality of these kinds of fish, in the marine area of Lesvos municipality, is very
high due to the climate and the sea that is rich in food (plankton). We all know the
famous sardine of Kalloni, smaller in size but very tasteful.
Some consumers buy the sardines and tastes them with oil and vinegar as a dainty
of high quality.

Another characteristic of the islands is the shells like oysters, scallops e.t.c. Is the
natural wealth of Lesvos island. You can eat them fresh, row, with lemon or grilled.
LESVOS WINE
“At first was....” the seed of creation. Creation that exists in the human cells.
Sometimes is transfered through generations and grow mature memories.
Lesvos produces "Methimnaios Wine". Methimnaios was a name for the god of wine
Dionysos. It is a product of lesbian vines that used to produce the most expensive
wines of the antiquity. These kinds of vines grow nowadays on lava that was
created-many years ago- by the Petrified Forest of Lesvos.

PASTA – SAUCES – BREADS – HARDTACKS – FLOUR
The cultivation of cereals was wide spread in Lesvos Island. Flour is produced from
cereals and in many villages and towns there were flourmills.
Nowadays, the women cooperation's of the Municipality and small industries, make
with traditional way pasta (of the best quality), such us spaghetti, lasagna, noodles
e.t.c. that you will enjoy.
Hardtacks, cookies and sops of every type can satisfy even the most demanding
consumers, since the quality, the taste and the odor will enthuse you.
Olive cookies, orange and cheese flavored cookies are some of the tastes that you
will never forget.
In Lesvos there are also produced wonderful sauses. Tasty and spicy! The best
supplement for a plate full of spaghetti.
Sauces are produced only from organic tomatoes, using traditional recipes coming
from our grandmothers, and have extremely fine taste and essence.

TRADITIONAL SWEETS – MARMALADES – ALMOND SWEETS – LIQUEURS
Municipality of Lesvos could not be absent from this section.
Great development have to show the local Women Cooperations, consisted of
women of the countryside that shaped cooperation's in order to make traditional
sweets, marmelades and almond sweets with pure ingredients, fine scent and divine
taste.
Some of the sweets (contain 70% fruits, no preservatives, no chemicals) that are
produced in Lesvos island are: Orange, lemon, tangerine, vine, cherry, apple,
tomato, water melon e.t.c.
Traditional Greek sweets like baklavas, nut- cake, cake with syrup, are made with
recipes that the grandmothers told their daughters and grand daughters.

Tastes that give you the feeling of another era. Also liquors made from local juices
are produced.
Platseta, is a local sweet made with traditional way and has walnuts, sesame, syrup,
spices.
The famous macaroons, a wedding sweet with almonds and sugar are a few of the
tastes that you have to eat!
HONEY – PASTELI – HALVA – LOUKOUMIA
Essences and only essences from thyme, myrtle, oleander, all the earth colors ans
essences, compose this unique juice coming from bees, so as to taste it with bread,
in baklava or in the wedding sweets.
Nutritious worth is really great from ancient years and Hippocrates was
recommended honey as a medicine for many diseases, since he believed that honey
prolongs life.
Nowadays Lesbian and Limnian producers preserve all the contemporary
qualifications during procedure, so as to offer you in many types the pure, awarded,
unique product, aiming to enthuse you with its taste.
Lesvos honey has awarded with the “GREAT TASTE AWARD”. Basic ingredients
are 20% - 30% thyme, 40% wildflowers, 15% osier and other fruits.

From honey and sesame pasteli is produced, pure and healthy food for children and
adults.
Halva is made after the procedure of sesame (taxini), without chemicals,
preservatives or colors. So is one of the most pure and healthy foods in many tastes
like cocoa, peanuts, honey, almonds e.t.c. Is also used as an antidote....after a lot of
drinking!!!
Loukoumia is a great recipe with sugar, glucose, amylum and essences and has
become one of the favorite sweet temptations for everybody.!