MUNICIPAL UNITS OF LESVOS ISLAND GENERAL INFORMATION ...

MUNICIPAL UNITS OF
LESVOS ISLAND
GENERAL INFORMATION AND TOURISM
MUNICIPAL UNIT OF MYTILINI
Mytilini is the capital Municipal Unit of Lesvos. The town of Mytilini was first
founded on the small island where the Enetic castle was later constructed.
Herodotus dates the foundation of the town, in his work " Homer's Life", 130
years after the conquest of Troy, around 1053 a.C. Mytilini reached its highest
development around the 7th-6th century with the philosopher Pittakos and the
poets Alkeos and Sapho. Mytilini got her name by one of Makaras' daughters,
the island' s first colonist.
The Municipal Unit of Mytilini consists of the villages Agia Marina, Taxiarches,
Loutra, Panagiouda, Moria, Alyfanta, Afalonas, Pamphila and the city of
Mytilini.
Impressive buildings of a neo-classic architecture, historical monuments,
unique archaeological treasures, like the mosaic-works found at Menandros' s
House (exhibited now at the Archaeological Museum) and the natural hot
springs compose a rich cultural context. In the centre of Mytilini we will find
the Ministry of the Aegean Sea, the Regional Administration of the North
Aegean Sea and the Central Administration of the University of the Aegean
Sea.

The construction of the waste treatment system, not only contributed to the
improvement of the quality of the citizens' life but led also to the discovery of
archaeological treasures found in the centre of Mytilini. These archaeological
treasures are exhibited either in modern museums or at specially equipped
open - air spaces that are impressive and have a unique historical value.The
town' s foundations are extended over seven adjoining hills. The centre of the
town is divided into three main parts: Kioski, which is a very beautiful suburb,
the central old neighbourhoods and the west neighbourhoods. The efforts of
the authorities to reconstruct the centre of the town and to adapt the needs of
the Municipal Unit of Mytilini to the demands of the new century are
remarkable. Kioski, the old aristocratic suburb of Mytilini where we can find
the new Archaeological Museum, is not far away from the Enetic Castle.
The Castle was situated on the isolated, by the channel of Euripus, part of
Mytilini and seemed like a small island. The channel of Euripus, along which
there were a lot of bridges, had been uniting, in the past, the south port to the
north port dividing, this way, Mytilini in two parts. At Kioski there are still
authentic mansions of a traditional Lesbian architecture. The main street that
goes through Kioski leads to the north port, where we can see the shattered
quay and other ruins of the past. In a small distance from there, there were
found ancient ruins and the entrance of the channel that was mentioned
above.

Important ruins of ancient and roman structures are also discovered in the
north part of Mytilini. Along the coast that starts from the Custom House
(Teloneio), the visitor has the possibility to enjoy an interesting stroll, during
which he will have the chance to admire the mansion, where the old
Archaeological Museum is established, the beach that belongs to the Greek
Touristic Organism (EOT), the small and clean beach, called " t' apeili", and
above that, on a small hill among the pine trees, the bust of Sapho, the
poetess, worked out artistically and given to the Municipal Unit of Mytilini by
the American artist Erietta Fors.
TAXIARCHES - KAGIANI
The village is situated on the east side of the mountain Amali. The big rock
that stands above the village and the magnificent church of Taxiarhes are
responsible for the village's enchanting landscape. The church's characteristic
is its Byzantine Cross-Shaped Rhythm. Its construction has taken place
between 1903 and 1958. At its place there was a smaller one at which the
icon of Taxiarhes - on the south wall of the church-, now placed in a shrine,
was a fresco of the 17th century.
In the market place there is an old fountain dated back to 1753 and restored
in 1875. We should not forget to talk about the remarkable underground

springs with tiled galleries supported by arches. We will find them a little bit
further from the village (going towards Mytilini), close to the chapel of St
Thekla. Next to this ravine, is situated the post-byzantine church of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, the "Potamousa". From the other side of the village
(going towards the village of Loutra), on the rock of St Bartholomew there is a
cave belonging to the neolithic era.
AGIA MARINA
After the village of Taxiarhes, we will find the village of Agia Marina, with a
magnificent view over the airport, the sea and the sunrise. In the lower part of
the village, there is the Basilica of St Marina, with three aisles, built in 1797.
The church has a magnificent wooden sculptured reredos and an episcopal
throne dated back to 1839. Architectural component parts, such as breastworks
and pillars, have been taken from the byzantine temple of the Blessed
Virgin Mary (situated on the top of the mountain Amali), and have been added
to the Basilica of St Marina. The Byzantine Temple, we mentioned above,
offers to the visitor an excellent view through the pine trees. In the village of
Agia Marina we can visit the mansion of the Vernardaki Family. A
monumental fountain dated back to 1818 will also attract our attention. On the
coast of Neapolis, next to the "Lesvos beach" Hotel, the Argalon Paleo-
Christian Basilica has been excavated (with a baptistery, while the central
aisle was decorated with mosaic-works). The whole structure dates back to
the 5th century. Above the airport, the springs of the Lagada River, whose
water was being stored in a built well and a water tower, had been supplying
Mytilini with water. At the moment, the ten water mills that, from the past
century until 1941, had been pumping up water from the same spring are still
well maintained.
LOUTRA
The village of Loutra is situated on the south side of the town of Mytilini and is
gifted with a wonderful view over the sunset and the Gulf of Gera. It is a
beautiful village among an endless olive grove. At its entrance, ruins of the
Roman era have been found. The church of St George (construction 1815,
extension 1840) has an underground reservoir where water from a spring is
stored (holy water). The village' s picturesque character is due to the paved
streets, to the plane trees and to the traditional cafes. At the port of Loutra,
next to the old shipyard that still works, we can enjoy all kinds of fish
delicacies at the traditional taverns.
We can also find there the hotel Zaira, a renovated olive press. On the
picturesque hill, named after the Blessed Virgin Mary, there is an ancient
fortress, while ancient graves were found at the bottom of fuel reservoirs (it
seemed like a seaside ancient small town).

A little bit further from the port of Loutra, at the seaside of Koudouroudia,
where there are also taverns and hotels, apart from the excellent seafood and
the wonderful view over the Gulf of Gera that we can enjoy, we can also go
across the Gulf of Gera by boat to the picturesque port of Gera called Perama
(meaning passage in greek, as it has been for many years a passage for the
inhabitants). To the south of the port of Loutra, on the coast of the bay of
Paleopotamos, an ancient small town has been found. On the seashore of
Agios Ermogenis, named after the small chapel of St Ermogenis situated on
the rock, above the seaside, the visitor has the possibility to enjoy the
swimming, the beach and the delicious delicacies. Along the road that from
Haramida leads to the village of Loutra, a Paleo-Christian Basilica (that
belongs to Tsesmedes) has been excavated. It dates back to the 5th century
and it has a beautiful mosaic-work decorated with birds and vine branches at
the middle aisle. To the north of the village of Loutra, in the middle of the Gulf
of Gera, on a small island, there is the chapel of St Isidoros.
PANAGIOUDA
Panagiouda is a small seaside village with a small port and many cafes and
taverns. Panagiouda is the village, where the inhabitants of the village of
Afalonas moved, after the earthquake of 1867. We had a larger increase in
population in 1928, when refugees came from Minor Asia bringing with them
their own local color.

The Byzantine Church in the centre of Panagiouda, dedicated to the Blessed
Virgin Mary was built in 1896. On the seashore there are a lot of old industrial
buildings (olive press, soap factory, tannery and shipyards) revealing the
inhabitants' activities in the past. The old village is situated on the hill Vounari.
The big ottoman fountain, on the street dates back to 1807.
A little bit further, to the north, there is the old small village of Kalamari with
palm-trees on the beach. At the chapels of St George and St Constantine
there are ancient ruins, while on the other side of the road, at the "Katho"
position, there are ancient ruins of an extended ancient town.
MORIA
Moria is a big and a very beautiful village. In a document that Gatelouzi from
Geneva have written in 1456, Moria is reported, as Morea. The church of St
Vassilios is situated on the exit of the village. It was constructed in 1796, while
in 1932 there was an extension at the construction (a vestibule).
The wooden sculptured reredos dates back to 1781. On the top of the hill,
above the village, there is the church of St Dimitri (1889), which together with
the old school (1848) among the pine trees are a special ornament for the
village. Beautiful houses and picturesque cafes complete the traditional

character of the village. The double fountain at the central square of the
village bears an ottoman inscription that dates back to 1774. In the plain of the
village, very beautiful mansions reveal the glory of the fifty towers that date
back to 1890.
At the same area there was an ancient small town whose ruins are dispersed
everywhere. We can also find there, by the road as we come from Mytilini, a
gallery, known as "Thermelia", which dates back to the Roman era. Above the
gallery, on the hill, there is an ancient marble quarry (320 a. C. - 4th century a.
C) from where marble was extracted for the construction of Mytilini.
PAMFILA
The village of Pamphila is situated on the hill Vounari and is reported in the
code 1565, while it is believed that it is named after the poetess Pamphili, who
is contemporary with Sapho. Along the street that goes through the village
and at its central square we will find very beautiful cafes.
At the entrance of the village there are the High -School - College/Lyceum
and the old Primary School (Vostanio). On the hills Atiganos and
Anemomylos, there were found archaeological treasures/positions/towns,
which belong to the early Copper Era (copper dominion). Beautiful fountains
(one of them bearing an ottoman inscription) decorate the village.

But the monument that imposes to the whole village its structure and its
architecture is the Church of St Varvara. The Church is a three aisled Basilica
where the dome is 12 meters high and three meters long. The construction of
the marble reredos (dated back to 1878) is a creation of the sculptor Ioanni
Halepa (who came from the island of Tinos and who was the son of the
famous sculptor, Giannouli).
In the past, at the place of St Varvara's Church, there was a smaller church,
whose the reredos still exists and is kept at the seaside chapel of St Nikolaos.
The restored building of the Katsakouleio School (dated back to 1911) is a
characteristic example of the Lesbian architecture. In the village, we can also
find very beautiful towers, like the Vostani tower, dated back to 1856 and the
Salta tower dated back to 1842.

At the port of the village of Pamphila, the deserted factories (Attkinson,
Vostani, etc.) reveal the importance of this area in the past. Here, at the small
port, there is also a picturesque tavern, available to whoever wants to taste
delicious delicacies.
ALYFANTA
Alyfanta is a small village to the west side of Mytilini. The Church of St George
was built in 1912. At the central square of the village we will find its only cafe.
To the west, on a hill, there is the chapel of St Nikolaos, the "Alyfantas",
beside which there was an ancient quarry. On the same hill we will find the
cave of Magara, which is characterized, as a sacred place because of the
treasures (pots and coins dated back to the 6th/5th a. C century) that have
been found there.
AFALONAS
The village is situated to the west of the village of Panagiouda. The view from
there is wonderful. The village is reported in the code of 1565 and went
through a very hard adventure after the earthquake of 1867. The Church of
the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is attributed to the architect Adalis.
Very beautiful fountains (one of them dated back to 1837) decorate the
village. Unfortunately, from the 14 towers that we had here, only two remained
intact from the earthquake as well as few houses with "sahnisinia", special
traditional architecture.

The high school was situated on the top of the mountain, on the big plateau
(Epano Alonia, Afalonas), during the Turkish Rule. It was on the same plateau
that the reservists of the "Atlas" organization had fought. A little bit further, in
the surroundings of the chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary the "Armenopoula"
there were found ancient ruins of a big ancient town. To the west, in the
surroundings of the chapel of St George (Patia position) and the chapel of St
Theraponda, there are ruins of a small ancient town, while at the chapel of St
Triada, at an imposing ravine, by the Gulf of Gera, we can assume the
existence of a monastery
AMUSEMENT – SPORTS
As far as swimming and summer sports are concerned the visitor has the
possibility to swim at the specially transformed, by the Greek Organism of
Tourism, beach of Tsamakia. There are also many beaches along the coast of
Mytilini, towards the airport, like the beach of Vigla, of Neapoli, of Kratigos, of
Haramida, of St Ermogenis. Most of the beaches offer many possibilities of
sports by the sea, like canoe, sea-bicycle and windsurfing.
And of course we can admire wonderful paths by making a ride on a mountain
bike. We should not forget to mention that the visitor has the possibility to
organize excursions and tours all over the island, either on foot or on bicycle.

MUNICIPAL UNIT OF AGIASSOS
Whoever comes in Lesvos island should visit the village Agiasos. This
mountainous Municipal Unit has a particular green nature and excitable
inhabitants.
The inhabitants are distinguished for their sagacity, their industry, and their
intense intellectuality and of course for their good sense of humour. Its narrow
and picturesque streets bring the visitor to another period of time.
The Municipal Unit of Agiasos is a religious and intellectual centre, country
mother of wood carvers and ceramists. It will satisfy many of your
expectations, especially if they have to do with the religion or the arts (theatre,
dance and music), the nature or the tradition.
The village Agiasos got its name from the inscription of the holly icon of the
Blessed Virgin Mary that Agathon from Ierosolyma brought with him. The icon
was named "Mother of God, Agia Sion".
Anagnostirion is the cultural centre of Agiasos. It was founded in 1894, when
the village was still under the Turkish Rule.

The Anagnostirion is still present to the intellectual and artistic occupations of
the village through its activities. Today it is established in its own building,
which is situated at the beginning of the village.
In this building we will find a library with more than 20000 volumes of old and
new books, which concern all the scientific fields, a big reading - room (in
greek, called anagnostirion).
A room for theatrical performances and cinema projections, a folklore
museum and an exhibition room, where paintings are exhibited

Agiasos took its name from the sign of Sacred Icon of Virgin Mary that
brought from Jerusalem the monk Agathon. Sacred the icon Sacred Sion the
name of the monastery.
So Virgin Mary was the reason that the village was created and took the name
also. That is why, those who live in Agiasos love and respect Virgin Mary
much more than anyone else.
This was only the beginning for the history. The fame of the monastery was
expanded even to the Minor Asia. Thousands of people were coming to see
the monastery and the icon of Virgin Mary. Monk Agathon died in 830 a.C.
TRADITIONAL JOBS
WOMEN COOPERATION OF AGIASOS
The Cooperation of Women of Agiasos was founded in 2007. Its members are
numbered to be eighty today.
The difficulties that were faced in the beginning were enormous but there was
so much love for creation, that today we can say that the cooperation has
achieved its purposes.

Deal with the embroidery, the woollies, textile, women try to make themselves
useful and offer a lot to the area of Agiasos
WOOD CURVES
The craftsmen, who curved out of wood the reredos of the Church of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, in 1812, were Greek citizens coming from Minor Asia.
The art of sculpture on wood passed from these persons down to the
inhabitants of Agiasos. All the wood curved pieces of work (chests, desks,
tables, chairs, furniture for bedrooms, mirrors, icons etc.) are hand-made, of
an excellent technique and quality and in very reasonable prices. That is why
many clients visit today the workshops and the exhibitions in Agiasos so as to
order carved hand-made furniture..

CERAMICS
The craftsmen, who curved out of wood the reredos of the Church of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, in 1812, were Greek citizens coming from Minor Asia.
The art of sculpture on wood passed from these persons down to the
inhabitants of Agiasos. All the wood curved pieces of work (chests,
desks, tables, chairs, furniture for bedrooms, mirrors, icons etc.) are handmade,
of an excellent technique and quality and in very reasonable prices.
That iswhy many clients visit today the workshops and the exhibitions in
Agiasos so as to order carved hand-made furniture.

MUNICIPAL UNIT OF AGIA PARASKEVI
The Municipal Unit of Agia Paraskevi is situated in the centre of the island of
Lesbos, among the hills and close to the plain of Kalloni. Agriculture and cattle
rising are the main income sources of the Municipal Unit. In the surroundings
of the Municipal Unit of Agia Paraskevi we will find the most important
archaeological treasures of the island.
The local customs and tradition of the Municipal Unit are of a particular
interest as they combine a remarkable traditional architecture - urban and
rural - with traditional elements that characterize the whole village of Agia
Paraskevi. Few modern changes, that could have influenced the traditional
character of the village, have taken until now place.
The Municipal Unit of Agia Paraskevi is famous for the "Religious Festival of
Tavros". Until now Agia Paraskevi has managed to remain intact to the effects
of the massive tourism' s development. The efforts of the Municipal Unit aim
to the development of a qualitative tourism and the financial development of
the area without affecting its cultural particularity and natural environment. We
should also mention that the picturesque village of Napi belongs to the
Municipal Unit of Agia Paraskevi.

In the village Agia Paraskevi the community' s old olive press has been
transformed into a cultural centre of various activities. At Polykentro, there are
two specially equipped halls, where an exhibition takes place.
In the first one, there is the exhibition entitled "The Museum of the Olive
Press' s Old Engines" and in the second one, there is the exhibition entitled
"The Folklore Museum". The first exhibition is about the engines used in an
olive press. They were made in 1910 and they belong to the Greek factories
of "Isigone" in Smyrna.

In this exhibition we will also find all the archives that regard the construction
of the olive press and its mechanical equipment (correspondence of the
village' s Council with the Isigone Factories, construction contracts etc.). All
this material is of a particular exploratory interest.
The second exhibition contains archives of a rich folklore and photographic
material. Finally, even the same building of Polykentro is of a particular
interest as an old olive press as well as many of the old engines that still
remain at their place.
LOCAL PRODUCTS
In the villages of Agia Paraskevi and Napi, the visitor has the possibility to buy
pure local meat (veal, pork, lamb and kid), dairy products (fresh salt less
butter used for cooking and yogurt).
Α big variety of cheese (white cheese, "graviera"- yellow salty cheese, cheese
stored in olive oil, sweet and salty fresh cheese), poultry grazing in the fields,
eggs, local vegetables and honey of an excellent quality.
Remarkable are the cookies and the sweets of the spoon that the women of
the local cooperation make.We should also mention the rich production in
olive oil of a low acidity as well as the production of ouzo by a local distillery.

CUSTOMS
This festival is the most important popular activity of the village of Agia
Paraskevi and it combines a variety of happenings that regard the ritual of the
bull' s sacrifice. An agricultural group called "Το Ισνάφι των Ζευγάδων"
(Agricultural Association "The Progress") revived this ancient custom in 1774.
It was established as a reverence to St Haralambos, the protector of this
agricultural group (Το Ισνάφι) that organises this festival. The incomes of this
celebration are used for the inhabitants' common profit. The activities that take
place during the celebration of this festival are the following:
The inhabitants concentrate the necessary materials (wheat etc.) for the
preparation of the traditional meal ("kiskek"). The carrying of the decorated
bull around the village with the participation of the local orchestra. The
pilgrims ride decorated horses and being accompanied by the local traditional
orchestra. Sacrifice of the bull at the chapel of St Haralambos situated at the
evergreen mountain of Tavros.
Throughout the night, preparation of the traditional meal accompanied by
popular dances Religious morning mess. The inhabitants return to the village,
where a parade of horses and horse races take place. Amusement at the
central square of the village with the visitors' participation. The last night of the
festival, local inhabitants have fun until the next morning.
These festivals that take place at the village Agia Paraskevi, last for several
day, they start from Friday and last until Monday, usually in the middle of
June. The dances and the songs as well as the popular orchestras that play
traditional lesbian music from the village of Agia Paraskevi and the Minor
Asia, are of a great importance at those festivals. The Religious Festival of
Tavros takes place at the end of the spring and coincides with the preparation
of the harvest. This festival is one of the most important proofs of the survival
of such idololatric customs combined with the Christian popular traditions.

MUNICIPAL UNIT OF GERA
Municipal Unit of Gera is situated among the green hills and the olive-trees.
It consists of 6 villages, which are the villages Papados, Scopelos, Mesagros,
Plakados, Perama and Paleokipos. The Municipal Unit of Gera is one of the
13 enlarged municipalities of Lesvos.
The Municipal Unit of Gera has always been a united geographical
department and has already been a Municipal Unit since the beginning of the
century.
Apart from its natural beauty, this geographical department has a great
historical and cultural importance.

The Municipal Unit of Gera is 20 kilometers away from the capital of the
island. Communication is made with buses and it is regular. The trip from the
capital to the Municipal Unit of Gera is wonderful.
The climate of the area is very healthy with mild winters and fresh summers
because of the north winds that blow in the area as well as in the whole
Aegean Sea.
Its inhabitants have as their main occupation the cultivation of the olive-trees,
the fishing and the recently developed tourism, which is still being developed.

The villages in the Municipal Unit of Gera have all the characteristics of the
islands of the North Aegean Sea.
Most of the houses have tiled roofs, whitewashed steps and narrow streets
made of stone, called "dousimedes". T
The old castles, such as the Paliοkastro, the Kasteli in Papados and the
Castle in Meti, are some of the sightseeing we recommend to the visitor. It is
almost 20 klm away from Mytilini. You can take the bus since there is often
bus time-table.

A wonderful Municipal Unit, with many sights and wonderful people.
RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
The Religious Festivals in Scopelos
In Scopelos, the inhabitants celebrate the religious festival of the miraculous
Saint Magdalini, on the 22nd of July, the religious festival of Saint Georgios,
the Bishop of Assos on the 10th of July and the religious festival of Saint
Georgios on the 23rd of April.
The Religious Festivals in Mesagros
In Mesagros, the inhabitants celebrate the religious festival of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, "The Source of Life", on the Friday of the Easter Week.
The Religious Festivals in Papados
In Papados, the inhabitants celebrate the religious festival of Taxiarhes on the
8th of November.
The Religious Festivals in Plakados
In Plakados, the inhabitants celebrate the religious festival of Saint Vlassios,
on the 11th of February.
The Religious Festival in Perama
In Papados, the inhabitants celebrate the religious festival of Saint
Panteleimon, on the 27th July.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIGHTS
Very deep in time (probably from the third millennium b.C.) there are people,
around the Gulf. The settlement in Chalakies initiated then and is preserved
till nowadays
The excavations have brought to the surface many findings. Remnants of
buildings are spread around the gulf. That era had shown up the
archaeological sight of Manna, a temple and burial monuments.
In that time belongs also the Lion of Gera (archaeological Museum of Mytilini).
At 300 a.C. the settlements of Skopelos and Mesagros are shaped. Also is
olive cultivation is certificated.
Settlements are spread all over the plain, while much more senior prehistoric
bases have located in Agios Grigorios- Kasteli Papados, in Avlonas-Marmaro
are and Tarti. This area has the ancient quarries of Marmaro (5h b.C century).

PERAMA
A walk around the gulf, maybe the most beautiful gulf in Mediterranean, with
wonderful beaches and traditional coffee shops would be ideal.
You may also walk to the close upland of Kariona and Kala Perivolia where
the sky is joined with the pine trees and chestnuts, through the olive grove.
MUNICIPAL UNIT OF ERESOS
The Municipal Unit of Eressos and Antissa consists of the
villages of Eressos, Scala Eressou, Antissa, Vatousa, Mesotopos, Sigri and
Agra. Each one of them has its own unique history.

Eresos is one of the most famous towns, known for its history and its beauty,
situated to the southwest part of the island.
The village Eresos is built 4 kilometers away from the sea, among arid and
volcanic mountains.
It is a village that maintains its traditional character intact. The wonderful
mansions that decorate the village reveal the economic and cultural
development of the village.
In 1821, first year of Greek revolution the place is connected with a important
naval achievement, that is to say the explosion of a big Turkish martial ship
from Dimitrios Papanikolis.

Leberation came in 1912 and the beautiful town follows the fate of the island
and becomes a part of the free country.
Built 4 kilometers above the sea between volcanic rocks, Eressos preserves a
traditional color. Wonderful buildings adorn the village and reveal the
economica; development that the area had.
Very special is "Theophrastio" one of the most luxurious schools of Lesvos
with neo classic features. Nowadays a kinder garden, a primary and a high
school work at this building.
SKALA OF ERESOS
A straight road of 4 kilometres, that passes through the green plain of Eresos
with the rich gardens, the abundant waters and the beautiful country houses
takes us to Scala Eressou and to the famous beach (three kilometres long)
which is the ornament of the area.

Clear, crystal waters and wide sandy beach is enough to seduce any visitor.
The beach of Scale is offered for multiple enjoyments.
By the coasts of Scala can be view Chios and Psara.
ANTISSA
We will find the village of Antissa close to the mountain Courouclo. This
village is built close to the ancient town of Antissa, where the ancient poet
Terpandros was born. Today, the basic income of the inhabitants comes from
the cattle raising and the tourism. As we approach the village Antissa, we will
find on our right, close to the river Voulgari, the Monastery of Perivoli. After
the Monastery of Perivoli, the crossroad, on the right, leads the visitor to
Gavatha, the port of Antissa.
SIGRI
At the past Sigri had been a port protected by the small islands to its west,
from which the biggest is Nisiopi, as well as by the small fortress, which is by
the sea.

In Sigri you have to visit the petrified forest and see the trunks and whatever
lava left in the area.
There is also a modern, contemporary museum so as to see this magic
world.
Today Sigri is a very well organized summer resort frequented by many
tourists, with many beautiful beaches and fresh fish.
The sunset in Sigri is an enchanting and unforgettable spectacle, as we watch
the sun "diving" into the waters of the Aegean Sea.
MESOTOPOS
Village Mesotopos also belongs to the Municipal Unit of Eressos-Antissa.
Whoever is a lover of tradition, but also whoever has forgotten the meaning of
tradition, of hospitality and of decent human behaviour should visit this
outlying village.
Mesotopos is situated to the west edge of the island. It is an ordinary, simple
and tidy village, like all the other greek villages.
Its inhabitants are friendly, kind and very active. We should not forget to talk
about the remarkable beaches Tavari - the port of Mesotopos - as well as the

very clean beaches Chrousou and Podara, where we will find taverns and
rooms to let.
In the village you may visit the new classic building of primary school, the
Laographic museum, the cultural centre. There are also traditional cafe and
the women cooperation, while in Tavari beach there are many taverns with
sea view.
The village is ideal for calm vacations, relaxation and for those who want to
escape from ordinary life and wish to live close to nature...
VATOUSA
The village Vatousa belongs to the Municipal Unit of Eressos-Antissa. It is a
traditional village decorated with the Church dedicated to Taxiarhes and the
Church dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the
surroundings of Vatousa there are three villages; the villages Revma,
Pterounta with the abundant waters and the rich gardens and Hidira, where
the great painter G. Iakovides was born.

CULTURAL CLUBS
CLUB OF MESOTOPOS
The Association of Mesotopos named the "Rebirth " (was founded in 1975.
Numbers 800 members and resides in privately-owned room in Dafni of
Athens). Aims the maintenance of beams of communication between its
members, to solve the basic problems of the village, to elevate the intellectual
and cultural level, to maintain and project our popular heritage.
FESTIVAL OF ERESOS
Important religious festivals take place in Eresos on the 4th of July the
religious festival of Saint Andrea, on the 20th of July the religious festival of
Prophet Elias, on the 27th of July the religious festival of Saint Panteleimona,
on the 6th of August the religious festival of Sotiros and on the 15th of August
the religious festival of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
FESTIVAL OF ANTISSA
Important cultural happenings and religious festivals take place on the 8th of
May, when we celebrate the religious festival of Saint Ioannis Theologus at
the Monastery of Ypsilo, on the 6th of August, when we celebrate the religious
festival of Metamorphosi and on the 21st of November, we have the
celebration of a religious festival to the Monastery of Perivoli.
FESTIVAL OF MESOTOPOS
A lot of traditional cultural happenings and festivals take place to the village of
Mesotopos, especially during the first half of August. But the most important of
these celebrations is the religious festival of the Blessed Virgin Mary
celebrated on the 15th of August, a festival that lasts two days.
AGRICULTURAL WOMEN COOPERATION
In December of 1998, the "Agro tourist Association of the Women of
Mesotopos is founded by 26 women.
The official start of the Association's works takes place in February of 1999
and in March of the same year the Association becomes a member of the
Commercial and Industrial Chamber of Lesvos.

Since then sales increased and cooperation developed more. The old working
area was demolished and a contemporary small production unit was built.
Production increased more and more and the women compromised to
continue their good work by maintaining quality and traditional recipes of the
village.

MUNICIPAL UNIT OF EVERGETOULAS
Municipal Unit of Evergetoulas is situated to the east part of the island of
Lesvos. It consists of the villages Asomatos, Ippios, Kato Tritos, Keramia,
Lampou Myli, Myhou and Sykounta.
The Municipal Unit got its name from the river Evergetoula, which goes
through this area and flows into the Gulf of Gera. The centre of the Municipal
Unit is the village Sykounta, which is 15 kilometres from Mytilini.

SYKOUNTA
In Sykounta is the temple of Virgin Mary, a church that was built in 1870.
There is also a sign made of marble which reveals that an older temple was
there many many years before.
ASOMATOS
The area is found in altitude 301m.it is full of trees, in the Eastern side of
mountain Liakas, next to the elongated mountain range named "Nikonas".
The village existed from the 13th century, before the sovereignty of
Gatelouso. The oldest testimony for the village existence is found in 1246.
The tradition considers that the village was settled initially 3 km northern, in
the place "Chorafelia".
. Then the residents moved in the region of river Andriotis, Named Antreia
Deka and then in current Asomatos area. Settlements are scattered in the
region (round Taxiarches and Saint Vasilios). In Taxiarches and Antreia area
were found graves and traces of settlements.

Centre of Environmental Training
The centre of environmental training is built in Asomatos, 20 kilometers away
from Mytilini, the capital of Lesvos island. It works where the primary school of
Asomatos was.
The programmes that the environmental center applies have as a main target
to make all the students and people to learn how to act in order to protect the
environment so as to help the development of the area.
Agioi Anargyroi
8 km away from Asomatos is found the park of Agioi Anargyroi that rightly has
been characterized as a place that smoothes the soul of visitor [ the chapel
was built in 1881 ]. It is an area in the valley that westwards goes through the
tributary of Evergetoula, framed with pines and all sorts of rich vegetation and
cherry trees.
IPPIOS

Ippeios is the biggest village of the Municipal, having 900 residents. The oldest chronology for
his existence is testified in 1567.
It is built in one of the most fertile plains of island full from gardens with olives, with
horticultural, and all sorts of fruiter.
In the old days the residents used to cultivate cereals, cotton, tobaccos and in particular it
was famous for the most excellent production of figs that were exported also.
The quality of ground gives impulse in the culture of this products and constitutes the basic
employment of residents. In the region "Waters" where sprang abundant waters from the
antiquity, it is today found the main pump room of Municipal of Mytilini..
KERAMIA
We will find the village Keramia on our way to Agiasos some kilometres
before the village of Ippios.
LAMPOU MILOI
Lampou Milloi is a small village with panoramic view to the plain of
Evergetopula and Gera Gulf. It is divided from the national road Mytilini-
Kalloni and is a great area for excursions.
With traditional coffees places and springs. Many years ago there were five
watermills and an olive press in the village. From those watermills came the
name of the village. Moreover this waters supplied the ancient Roman
Aqueduct of Mytilini that passed from there (sources of Taxiarches).
DIPI
We will find the village Lampou Myli (the Mills of Lampi) on our way to
Municipal Unit of Kalloni. The area Dipi in the surroundings of the village
Sykounta.
The area Dipi with its commercial small port, the old industrial buildings and
the taverns, is the port of the Municipal Unit of Evergetoula.
KATO TRITOS
On our way to the Municipal Unit of Gera, some kilometres away from the
central seaside road, we will find among the olive groves the village Kato
Tritos situated between the two hills. This village still maintains its traditional
character.

PIGADAKIA
This area is being slowly developed into a tourist place.
The tourist will find here the only beach of the Municipal Unit
suitable for swimming.
They can also taste fresh fish and other delicacies to the taverns
of Pigadakia.

MICHOU
Michou is settled in the street beyond Kato Tritos area. It was a Turkish
village. In the pane the refugees accomodated Agios Dimitrios in 1927, that
brought him from the Asia Minor.
From here the way to the mountains with the olives, the pines and kastanje's
leads to the chapel of Saint Ioannis.
WATERMILLS MILELLIA
The watermill is lost through the olives. You have to search a lot in order to
see the sign that writes "Mylellia". Here we meet mr. Ioannis.
In 1994 when the householders renovated the mill, they find also a miller and
thus they came in contact with him. Ioannis is the person in charge for the
production of 150 kilos flour total and cold milling.

AGROTOURIST ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN
In Asomatos there is an Agrotourist Association of Women.
These women have a traditional cafe and offer traditional house made spoon
sweats. Traditional products of the area are dried figs.

MUNICIPAL UNIT OF LOUTROPOLI THERMIS
The Municipal Unit of Loutropoli Thermis is formed by the villages: Pyrgi
Thermis, Thermi, Pigi, Komi, Nees Kydonies and Mystegna. 11 kilometres, on
the northeast side of the town of Mytilini, we find the village of Pirgi Thermis.
10 kilometres further from that village, on the east coast, we find the village of
Nees Kydonies.
Between these two villages, which are the physical boundary of the Municipal
Unit of Loutropoli Thermis, we see the villages and the fish-ports that belong
to this Municipal Unit.
The Municipal Unit was named after its natural hot springs.
The history of the name' s origin dates back to the Hellenistic and Roman Era,
when the Greeks and the Romans had built a group of public bath-rooms
taking advantage of the area' s natural gift and its healing abilities and turning
the town into a summer resort. We should not forget to mention that at the
same area, the inhabitants used to worship the goddess Artemis, the natural
hot springs' protector.
Going through the 6th millennium, the place has not lost yet its charm and the

visitor has the possibility to admire the wonderful natural surroundings gifted
with numerous qualities.
The endless olive grooves, the oleanders and the osiers, all over the ravines,
compose the greenest landscape on the island. The medieval rural villages,
hidden among the hills, still remain intact from the modern tourism' s effects.
The past of this place is all over the place obvious; through the marble basrelief
on the traditional houses' walls, through the ancient columns on the
houses' thresholds, through the ancient pots' fragments shattered all over the
area' s coasts, through the miraculous monasteries, as well as the old
churches and chapels.
There is no doubt that, when the first inhabitants settled down at this area
during the 3rd millennium a. C, they would have found Thermi covered with a
natural forest, Mediterranean bushes and endless pine-trees' forests, like
those we find today in our way to Pigi and to Nees Kydonies.
These forests were of great importance for the inhabitants, as they needed
material for their constructions, their boats, cooking and heating, but mostly
for their pottery furnaces. So, the inhabitants had started to denude the plain
of the trees, having this way material and free space for their cultivations and
the construction of their villages.
5000 years later... At the beginning of the 20th century, the English
archaeologist Lamb visits the area. From the excavations that took place,
there were found 5 prehistoric villages belonging to the Early Copper Era
(2800-2400 a. C) and two villages belonging to the Post Copper Era (1600-
1200 a. C), built the one above the other and forming this way a small hill.

Since then, the sea level has risen three metres "rinsing", this way, half of the
hill, removing the prehistoric houses' stones from the hill and accumulating
them on the seashore. After the excavation, this archaeological site has been
covered again with soil, for reasons of protection. Anyone who observes, at
the archaeological museum, the exhibition of this rare prehistoric collection of
ceramics coming from the area of Thermi, can not help asking himself about
the slow rhythm with which the art of pottery has been developed until
nowadays, 5000 years later.
We should mention that during the Ottoman Occupation, at the beginning of
the 19th century, there have been constructed the modern bath-rooms with
separated baths made of marble. Restored in 1997 and work until today. Most
of the fountains that we find in the villages and on the old streets date back to
the Ottoman Era. At the end of the 19th century, a Turkish businessman
finances the construction of the hotel Sarlitza (meaning Yellow Spring).

During the decade of 70s it stopped working due to bureaucratic reasons, not
being able to deal with the new conception that regarded vacations. But the
"Sarlitza Pallas" had been for many decades the most "in" hotel on the island
and had managed to give back to Thermi some of the lost splendour of the
Roman Era.
Although Lesbos had been liberated since 1912 by the Greek fleet, the
Greeks went on living peacefully together with the Turkish people on the
island, until 1922.
The treaty of Lozane that ended the war between the two countries resulted to
a massive exchange of the population. The Greeks of the Minor Asia had to
come back to Greece and the Muslims had to go back to Turkey.
Most of the Greek refugees had settled down to the villages of Pirgi Thermis,
Komi and Nees Kydonies.
PIGI - KOMI
The road that leads us to the village of Pigi follows the path that the river
Tenegia opened through the woody mountains made of limestone on the west
side of Thermi. In the evergreen landscape, where we can hear all over the
ravines of the area the nightingales singing, the visitor will enjoy his coffee
under the plane tree, at the central square of the very beautiful village of Pigi.
We should not omit to visit and admire the Church of St Paraskevi, a
remarkable monument built in 1859. A few years later, refugees coming from
the Minor Asia, settled down to the village of Komi, which has been a Turkish
village.

Another road leads to the chapel of St Charalampos on the mountain Tavros,
where the ancient habit of the bull' s sacrifice takes place, followed by horses'
races and prices. In the Tenegia ravine there are the unique caves of St
Efthymios and of St Ioannis. It is a majestic place, where the hermits used to
live, during the 14th century. There is also a third cave, the cave of St
Philippos. We can easily approach only the first one. If we go further, at the
north, we will find the beach of Agios Georgios, while, if we move on further,
we will find the beautiful beach of Petalidi, where we can also enjoy our meal
at the tavern by the sea. From Petalidi, there is a path that leads to the small
monastery of St Akindini, built during the 17th century (there are no monks
any more).
MISTEGNA – NEES KYDONIES
The village Mistegna is situated on a hill with a view over the horizon and the
sunrise. It is a beautiful village, decorated by the Basilica dedicated to the
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (built in 1860), by the Plane tree and
few mansions. During the summer, the inhabitants move to the village' s small
bay, with the taverns, the ruins of a seaside, small, ancient village and of
course the tourists. Here at Mistegna, a famous kind of stone is extracted. At
the big square, called Plati, the view is wonderful, and there is a Byzantine
castle built at the place of a big prehistoric town.
Along the river that comes from the valley, on both sides, there are ruins of
churches and houses that probably belong to the medieval small town, called
Kydona. It is of a great interest the fact that later, the refugees from Ayvalik
that settled down to the Turkish village Baltzik changed its name to Nees
Kydonies.

At the village Nees Kydonies, the mosque gave hospitality to the Christian
religion, when the Church of St Georgios the Chiopoliti settled down in it.
From here the roads lead to the mountain of Tavros and to the village Agia
Paraskevi, through the wonderful pine-trees' forest. At the seaside of the
village, the landscape is completed by the picturesque small port, the mole of
an ancient port.
Small taverns give the visitor the possibility to enjoy a tasteful meal together
with the wonderful view. On the small island, a little bit further on the north we
can see the submarine ancient ruins of a small town. The village is the natural
boundary of the Municipal Unit Loutropoli Thermis on the north. The whole
area is covered with olive trees, the basic product from which the Municipal
Unit earns its income. We can also understand that, by the big number of
olive presses (8) that work at the Municipal Unit' s villages.
WALKING – FISHING
If the visitor takes a walk through the village of Thermi, he will have the
chance to admire its picturesque streets and the traditional houses as well as
to enjoy the inhabitants' hospitality. The school, a big and majestic building,
constructed in 1931, is a remarkable monument. The picturesque cafes and
the long-lived lilac that covers the market place, offer to the stranger tasteful
coffee, ouzo and coolness. The history is all over the village present, in the
face of the Enetic big mansion that stands above the plain of Thermi and the
Basilica church of the village, built in 1843.
The visitor that prefers the excursions through the nature has the ability to
visit the caves of Thermi, where it is said that monks belonging at the
Byzantine era used to take refuge in.
Finally, the visitor should not omit to visit the famous "cypress" spring, whose
water has refreshed until now many travelers.

At the small fish-port of Thermi the quiet waters colored by the tints of the
sunrise, the picturesque cafes by the sea, the smell of ouzo, the pleasant walk
on the seashore of Agios Georgios, the fishing and the sunset at on the paved
pier compose an unusual and rare landscape.
ARCHITECTURE
During the kingdom of Gatelouzi, at the rural areas close to Mytilini, the
wealthy landowners of Mytilini had begun to construct houses with rustic
characteristics.
The conditions of general insecurity and poverty led a lot of people to steal.
That is the main reason these houses are very well secured. From this type of
house results the particular Lesbian mansion, the most original construction
we meet on Lesbos.
We meet this particular type of mansion in the surroundings of the Municipal
Unit of Thermi, but mostly at the area of Pirgi Thermis, named after these
buildings. These houses are made of stone. They have three floors, small
windows at the ground floor and at the first floor, (for protection) and big
windows with a view over the olive trees at the last floor. The old mansions
(like those that belong to M. Niania and to M. Karapiperi) are influenced by the
Byzantine and Italian tradition. The original mansion, though, has been

influenced by the ottoman architecture (wooden roof with protrusions -
sahnisinia).
SARLITZA PALLAS – SCHOOL OF THERMI
The visitor's attention will be certainly attracted by the majestic building of the
hotel Sarlitza.
Although, nowadays it is abandoned, during the period of its highest
development it has offered hospitality to kings, prime ministers and to
patriarchs. We should not forget to mention that the School of Thermi, where
the Congress of Linguistics took place in 1999, is also of an impressive
architecture.

MUNICIPAL UNIT OF KALLONI
The Municipal Unit of Kalloni consists of seven villages, which are Anemotia,
Skalohori, Philia, Parakila, Skala Kallonis, Papiana, Kerami, Argiana, Dafia
and Arisvi, is situated in the centre of the island.
The area of Kalloni has been the centre and the "lighthouse" of orthodoxy and
culture. Its contribution to the determination of the education' s level,was very
important, thanks to its Monasteries and to its historic Metropolis.
It has been reborn many times from its ashes due to the strong will and
insistence of the locals.
It is Orthodoxy's and Civilization's lighthouse because of the historic
Monasteries, the Metropolis and the local culture.

At the holy Monastery of Limonos - in the year 1530- we find the first school
for clerics and at the holy Monastery of Panayias Myrsiniotissas at the same
year the first school for women - unique in Greece.
There in the year 1804 the Regional Greek Institute had been established.
No matter where we are on the island, we can go to the Municipal Unit of
Kalloni in less than an hour.
In the Municipal Unit of Kalloni we will find a big and modern market place
with shops that can satisfy everybody' s needs.
The Medical Centre of the north west island is situated in the Municipal Unit of
Kalloni.
The inhabitants have the possibility to get there a full medical and
pharmaceutical care.

The visitor has the ability to have fun, go shopping, visit monuments and
churches and generally spend his free hours very nice.
Kalloni is full of life during the whole year.
Is the centre of Lesvos island and the place of real, good life.
PARAKILA
It's a mountain settlement western of the area of Kalloni. The settlement has a
great number of olive trees, lemon and orange trees.
The local peaople are very friendly and offer you a warm hospitality. Their
works are agricultural mainly.
DAFIA
A mountain settlement that we reach as long as we are moving on the main
road of Kalloni-Eressos, 46 klm. away from the capital of Lesvos island.

There you can visit the famous monastery of Limonos. This monastery is full
of plants and flowers, stony buildings and gentle people.
SKALOHOPI
A mountain settlement that we reach as long as we are moving on the main
road of Kalloni-Eressos, 58 klm. away from the capital of Lesvos island. Great
interest shows the building that is used as a school today which is built with
traditional local stones.
AGRA
It is settled 68 klm away from Mytilini. It is a mountain settlement that has
decades of tradition. People of the area are extremely kind, preserve the
traditions of their area and they mainly work with their animals and their olive
trees.

ANEMOTIA
This settlement is 55 klm away from the capital city of Lesvos island. It is a
mountain settlement, having picturesque, traditional small roads. The church
of Saint Georgios is quite known.
FILIA
A small traditional village 50 klm away from Mytilini.Here you can relax since
tranquility is one of the area features.
SALT PANS
In the surroundings of the Gulf of Kalloni there are two saltpans, the saltpan of
Kalloni and the saltpan of Polichnitos. Thanks to their morphology, their
position on the seashore and their function they are a wonderful marsh.
At Kalloni salt pans the visitor can observe the winter the wonderful flamingos.
The flamingos go there due to the plenty food. We can say that the salt pans
are not just a productive area but an alive natural history museum.
MUNICIPAL UNIT OF MANDAMADOS
The village of Mandamados is a mountainous area. As far as population is
concerned, it is the biggest village to the northeast island, nowadays and
during the Turkish rule as well. Today, the villages of Mandamados, Kapi, Clio
and Pelopi compose the Municipal Unit of Mandamados
The village of Mandamados is directly related with the holly worship of the
Archangel Michael. The whole representation of the Archangel Michael is a
relief. According to the tradition, after a violent attack that either the Agaren or
the Saracen pirates made to the monastery, the only monk that survived the
slaughter (hidden in the roof of the holly church), moulded with soil and blood

from the other slaughtered monks the representation of the Archangel Michael
sitting on a rock. The fact that a big number of villages, including the village
Mandamados, are hidden among the hills away from the sea is due to the
pirates' frequent raids during Middle Age.
The inhabitants of many seaside villages had to leave their homes and their
activities, such as fishing, cattle raising and pottery for their families' sake and
their safety. For the same reasons inhabitants of Mandamados had to leave
the marvelous seashores, where their villages were built. They all gathered
together around the famous and holly shrine of Taxiarhes at the area "Paliou
A' Stratgous (Paleos Archistratigos)", meaning "Old Commander In Chief". At
this area we will find ruins of the first chapel. Since then, Archangel Michael is
considered to be the protector and patron saint of the village of Mandamados
and of the whole island during the Turkish rule.
Many people declare that have seen the saint's vision. Between these
appearances, we include the vision of many inhabitants of the island had, on
the 8th of November in 1912, the date of the liberation of the island from the
Turkish yoke. In this vision Archangel was a horse rider and was leading the
Greek army against the enemy. His fame had expanded out of the island' s

orders, even to the other side of Aegean, to Minor Asia, where it is said that
the Archangel had been deeply respected by the Turkish.
The Bey (Governor) of Ayvalic, sent every year an ox so as to be sacrificed to
the Archangel. A traditional meal was prepared, made of wheat and ox, called
"kiskek". This custom is preserved until today. Before the ox gets sacrificed,
the priest reads a prayer (!) after the vespers of Saturday. We must not forget
that the first olive press of the community, called " I Michani t' agiou" (meaning
The Saint' s Engine), was built with the participation of the whole village, in
1909.
This initiative was a great and rare operation for those days, where the
economical and political power was controled by the notables. Many villages
on the island followed the example of Mandamados. Today, this olive press is
the cultural centre of the village. Since then, the name remained the same. It
should be this way, because during the Turkish rule the church, to whom,
fortunately, enough privileges had been given by law (tanzimat) by the
Turkish, should survey any innovating effort. The privileges given to the Greek
Church were the beginning of the economical turkish subjection.
KAPI
At the northeast side of the island, 300 metres above the sea, at the foot of
the east side of the mountain Lepetymnos is lying the village Kapi. It is about
40 kilometres away from the island' s capital city. It is extended from the north
to the south and has a wonderful view over the opposite eastern Tourist
coasts. Two churches decorate the village. The first is the church of St
Georgios and is situated to the north part of the village. The second one is
dedicated to Blessed Virgin Mary and is situated to the south part of the
village. A small chapel dedicated to St Paraskevi is situated at the village's
central square, under the shade of an old plane tree. Most of the inhabitants'
incomes come from the cultivation of the olive tree and the cattle raising. At
the same time they cultivate their gardens, their "orchards" that are extended
along the east side of the village. During the decade of Sixties, because of the
actual life' s conditions, many inhabitants immigrated.

Today, though, the village maintains its population stable. The village has a
great tradition in music. There were and there still are many musicians. A few
years ago, there were bands of copper wind instruments, called "fyssera"
(meaning blowers), that today because of the modern times' demands have
been replaced by modern instruments. Ever since old times, the traditional
band has been amusing the inhabitants of the village, whenever there was a
family celebration or during the religious festivals but also on Sundays at the
central square of the village. There are many young people in this village. To
earn their living, apart from the cultivation of the fields, they exercise various
professions, such as builders, painters and carpenters, preserving the
tradition of the village in these professions. The women of the village prepare
traditional sweets and marzipans as well as a great number of embroideries.
Today, the visitor has the possibility to admire many small old and new forests
that extend above the village, close to the primary school and the church of St
Georgios. The visitor has also the possibility to admire the mansion of
"Boliouri" that is about to be restored and transformed into a cultural centre. In
the old market place, we will find the buildings "casino", an old cafe and the
shop of Psarros. Those two buildings are characteristic examples of the stone
architecture of Kapi, including also the Mansion "Despotiko", the house of the
bishop Sophronio, who comes from this village. About 5 kilometres from the
village there is the village' s summer resort, called "Yeni Limani" (meaning
New Port). It is an old, small fishermen' s town with a customhouse and a
remarkable commercial life. Nowadays, it is still a picturesque summer resort
with country-houses under the shade of a plane tree. The visitor can also visit
the wonderful beach of "Ferogia".
PELOPI - KLIO
The village of Pelopi had in the past, 17 villages dispersed in the same area
because of the pirates' raids, which had been giving them a hard time. But, as
soon as the inhabitants found an appropriate and forested area, close to the
river Tsiknia, they abandoned the small villages and built there their houses.
They gave to this area the name "Gelia" (meaning laughter), as they had got
rid of the pirates and their life was full of joy and laughter. According to
another version, it is said that, at the beginning, the village was built in a place
bathed by the sun and it was called "Ielia" (ancient word). When the
inhabitants moved to the village' s present place, the name changed into
"Gelia".
The village took its actual name after the Second World War. It was named
Pelopi because it is said that, in the past, a king, called Pelopas, visited the
village.
The village Clio, took its name from the ancient muse "Clio". From the altitude
of 350 metres has a view over the beach and its origins as in the surroundings
of the village there are ruins of ancient towns. A recent research has revealed
an ancient town of the early Copper Era that dates back to 3200 a. C, situated

at the area called Paliocastro. At this area it is believed that there was a
statue representing the Muse.
It was taken by the pirates but we don't know when. There was found
accidentally at Heraklio (ancient town) of Italy a fresco representing the Muse,
protector of the History and the Rhetoric. The natives of the ancient towns, we
mentioned above, during the dark years of the Middle Age and before the
conquest made by the Turkish in 1453, had to move at the place, where Clio
is situated today, because of the pirates.
They wanted to survey the sea in order to prevent the dangerous and bloody
raids. The first buildings were extended from the position "Platanos" to the
position "Hamam" and there were not visible from the sea.Throughout history,
the village extended and developed enough, since there was no danger of the
pirates.

POTTERY
RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
Apart from the olive production and the cattle raising, another
important element of economical and cultural tradition of
Mandamados is the pottery that passes from generation to
generation and blossoms until nowadays, but its primitive
appearance is progressively disappearing. Today at the area of
Agios Stefanos we can meet the only group of ceramists in the
Northeast Aegean.
This group consists of three persons working the clay with the
traditional way and producing Mandamados' traditional jug.
They have to deal with numerous difficulties in order to maintain
the tradition alive.
Fortunately, in the village there are many ceramists who started
working the traditional way and who have adjusted their art to the
demands of the pottery' s modern technique.
The Religious Festival of St Haralambos takes place at the end of June, on
the mountain Tavros. The day before the festival, horse riders, on their
decorated horses, start from the school' s square heading towards the distant
and uphill Tavro. The inhabitants of Mandamados celebrate this festival
together with the inhabitants of Agia Paraskevi. So, the day before the festival
they gather together and sacrifice the oxes in order to prepare the festival' s
traditional food, called "kiskek".
During the night, they dance and eat together, roasting the sacrificed animals.
The mess takes place on Sunday morning, at the chapel of St Haralambos. In
the afternoon, horse races take place at the area called "Linohoma", close to
Mandamados. The winner takes as a price either a wreath or a handkerchief.
Many years ago the amusement continued till Saturday night.
The Religious Festival of the Myrofores (the women, who looked after Jesus
Christ, after they got him down from the cross). This festival takes place 15
days after Easter, the day of the Church' s inauguration, which was built in
1888 with the participation of the whole village. The Religious Festival of St
Ioannis. This festival takes place on the 29th of August and its celebration
lasts two days with amusement and musical tradition (revival of the old
custom).
The Festival of "Agiou Potamiou" (of the St River), As the inhabitants of
Mandamados love the amusement and the festivals, they invented another
festival with which they seal the end of the summer. It is called the Festival of
"Agiou Potamiou" and today is celebrated at the end of August, while in the
past, it was celebrated at the end of September, before the inhabitants of the
village leave the summer resort and return to the village. In the surroundings

of Mandamados there is the river of Pedi, which is the biggest and which
during the winter joins the sea; as a result, a great number of various fishes
enter in the river and grow there.
During this festival, the inhabitants prepare their harpoons at the point of
which they attach a trap of a substance that stuns the fishes and makes them
an easy prey and a tasteful delicacy to the fishermen and to the inhabitants.
Although this is a barbarous and lousy custom, the law and the police did not
manage to prohibit it.
THE FESTVAL OF THE VILLAGE OF KAPI
The church of Blessed Virgin Mary is another ornament of the village because
of its stony construction and its majestic entrance, made of curved stone.
Every year, (15th August), the Religious Festival of Blessed Virgin Mary takes
place, followed by the preparation of "kiskek", the traditional meal.
All the inhabitants eat together the "kiskek", while the traditional band
accompanies their feast. In the night, they all go to the village' s square in
order to dance and sing all together, with the local traditional dance groups.
In the surroundings of the village there are many chapels that the inhabitants
visit from time to time.
THE FESTIVAL OF THE VILLAGE OF CLIO
The celebration of this religious festival is accompanied by musical activities
in the cafes, during the evening.
The religious festival of St Kiryka takes place on the 15th of July, at the cape
of Korakas, a wonderful rural area. The evening before the celebration there
is a vespers that takes place, followed by the preparation of the traditional
meal, "kiskek". The horse riders with their decorated horses spend all the
night there drinking ouzo. The mess and the distribution of the traditional meal
take place in the morning.
The celebration is continued at the seaside summer resort, Tsonia. On the
beach there are two or three cafes, where an equal number of bands play
music in each cafe. Horse races are organized in the evening, starting from
Mandamados until the village of Clio and using a special earthen street for
this purpose.
The winner takes as a price a cup, a wreath and an amount of money. The
celebration is continued at the cafes of Clio (revival of the old custom).
The chapel of St Sotira is situated on the picturesque beach of Tsonia. The
traditional bands and the local traditional dance groups are a part of this
celebration too.

EXHIBITION – CERAMICS
A remarkable cultural happening that we should mention is the Lesbian
Exhibition of Ceramics. This exhibition that has become an institution, takes
place every year, since 1996, at the permanent exhibition hall, available at the
cultural centre of Mandamados, called " I Michani t' Agiou" (meaning The
Saint' s Engine). It is a cultural event supported by the Prefecture of Lesbos,
the Ministry of Aegean and the Ministry of Culture, the Foundation of the
family G. Psaropoulos ("Study Centre of Latest Ceramics") and by the efforts
of the community' s former vice-president and present Mayor, M. Karatzitzi. T
his exhibition lasts during all the month of August. The visitor has the
possibility not only to admire various pottery products, the products that are
made according to the rules of the early pottery era, but also to learn a lot of
things on the history and the development of this art throughout the centuries.
Ceramists from all over the county of Lesbos participate to this exhibition. We
should not forget that pottery and olive oil production have been following a
common path throughout the centuries. The visitor has the possibility to
admire their common history at the yard of the cultural centre, where the
Cheese Festival takes also place, during the first ten days of August
When somebody travels around Greece, he can find almost everywhere a
charming harmonious marriage between history and natural beauty. The
Municipal Unit of Mithimna has the privilege to be one of these places.
Municipal of Mithimna has 1500 inhabitants. It is 62 kilometres from the island'
s capital.

MUNICIPAL UNIT OF MYTHIMNA
This Municipal Unit is consisted of five villages: the village of Vafio, the village
of Sykamnia, the village of Skala Sykamnias, the village of Lepetymnos and
the village of Argenos. At the Municipal Unit of Mithimna, we will find a Port
Authority, a Custom House, a Police Station, a Financial Service, a Post
Office, a Telegraph Office, a Branch Office of the National Bank of Greece, a
local Office of the Agricultural Service, a Primary School and a Conference
Centre..
As far as the history of this place, we learn from the mythology and the history
that the tribe of Pelasgi were the first colonists of Lesvos.
Homer calls the island the King' s Makaros kingdom. Mytilini, Mithimna,
Antissa, Arisvi, Pyrra and Eresos were said to be the children of this mythic
king. The homonymous towns on the island were named after them.
According to mythology, Mithimna was married to Lesbos, a hero from
Thessalia.
According to another version, she was the wife of Lepetymnos, another hero
who gave his name to the homonymous island's mountain. During the War of
Troy, the town of Mithimna has been damaged many times by the attacks that
the tribe of Acheon made. In one of these attacks, Achilles had besieged the
town, which he conquered after the betrayal of Pisidiki, the King' s daughter.
She sent a message to Achilles with her nurse, that she would surrender the
town if Achilles took her to be his wife.

After the conquest of Mithimna though, Achilles punished Pisidiki by killing
her because she betrayed her country. The ruins of the ancient quay show to
us that the ancient port was situated at the same place, where the new one is.
The main cemetery of the ancient town of Mithimna was situated to the south
of the city' s wall. The graves, which have been found along the road that
starts from Petra and goes to Mithimna, are a proof that this road already
existed in the past. Graves have been also found out of the other sides of the
wall too.
Ruins that belong to a town reveal that the town had been later expanded out
of the fortified zone, towards the south. As it seems from the ruins of the
ancient aqueduct' s conduits, Mithimna was being supplied with water from
the springs situated on the slopes of the mountain Lepetymnos. The system
that had been applied shows that the aqueduct had been constructed during
the Hellenistic era or a little bit earlier. Mithimna has been throughout the
centuries the motherland of great writers, such as the poet Arion, who
perfected the dithyramb and the writers Ilia Venezi and Argyres Eftalioti.

This is one of the most ancient towns on the island. It has been, because of
its beauty, a place of inspiration for many poets, writers and artists. Anyone
who visits this town is amazed every time he sees it appearing in the calm
scenery of the olive groove, at the foot of the rock on the top of which the
medieval castle dominates. The solid traditional buildings, made of stone or of
painted wood, are situated in a labyrinth of narrow streets. On the far side of
the town, there is a picturesque small port that completes this unique image.
The Municipal Unit of Mithimna is also a place of a deep cultural life. This is
obvious from its rich cultural past and from its actual cultural activity. Its
cultural tradition that is expressed in various ways is a part of the Greek
Civilization that has been developed to the east Aegean. The buildings, the
popular art, the painting, the literature, the poetry, the dance and the songs
reflect all over the island this cultural activity. The visitor discoveries in
Mithimna the traditional rhythms that characterize the life when living on an
island. The visitor is welcome to be a part of those rhythms thanks to the
hospitality of the inhabitants. The road that leads from Sykamnia to Mithimna
goes through the villages of Lepetymnos and Argenos. Few kilometres before
we enter the village of Mithimna we go through the village of Vafio with a great
view and traditional taverns. Four kilometres to the northeast of Mithimna
there is the summer resort Eftalou, which has been the place of rest of Ilia
Venezi, with the wonderful beaches and an endless view over Minor Asia. At
Eftalou we will also find the grave of the famous writer Argyri Eftalioti
(meaning the one, who comes from Eftalou).
SYKAMNIA
The village Sykamnia belongs to the Municipal Unit of Mithimna. It is a village
built on the green slopes of the mountain Lepetymnos. Its characteristic street
pattern and the houses made of stone, the mansions with the "sahnisinia", a
traditional architectural element, the inscriptions of the 19th century and the
traditional narrow streets, they all compose an harmonious and very beautiful
image. The house of the famous Greek writer Strati Stamatopoulou, Stratis

Myrivilis being his artistic name, is open to whoever wants to visit it. Three
kilometres to the north, there is the village of Skala Sykamnias, a
characteristic village inhabited by fishermen.
It is the most northern village of the island, facing the seashore of Minor Asia.
The visitor we will have the chance to enjoy there one of the most beautiful
sunsets. He will also find there the Chapel of "the Blessed Virgin Mary, the
Mermaid", which is built on a piece of land that goes into the sea. The chapel
was named after the characteristic fresco made by an unknown popular
painter and representing the Blessed Virgin Mary with the tail of a mermaid. It
is a painting that represents the emotional connection between religion and
tradition.
CUSTOMS
"The burning of Judah"
An old custom takes place on the first Sunday after Easter. It is the "Burning
of Judah". The inhabitants prepare a doll that represents Judah and they hang
it on a wooden column, where it is burnt. This is a symbolic habit and it is
accompanied by traditional songs and dances as well as by the treating of
eggs painted red and of a traditional cake. This might seem a strange habit to
the visitor but it is a celebration that seals the end of the Christian Easter.

"The going around of the bull" habit
During the Religious Festival of St Theoktisti, on the last Sunday of July, the
inhabitants of the village decorate a bull, with which they go around the
village. In the evening they prepare the traditional meal, called "kiskek", which
is offered to the villagers together with wine.
The custom of the "Clean Monday"
This is a custom that seals the end of the Greek Halloween and takes place
before Easter. It also has to do with the feeding habits. During this day, meat
and its products are excluded from the greek table. In Mithimna, the festival
takes place on the beach, with fasting delicacies, satiric brief theatrical plays
performed on the beach, music and dance.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Apart from the tourism of recreation, the visitor, who chooses Mithimna for his
vacations, has the possibility to enjoy the tourism that is based upon the
social relations and the human communication in general. Many tourists have
become frequent visitors of Mithimna and have also created social
relationships with the inhabitants of the village. But above of all, we should
mention that Mithimna has the possibility and the perspective to develop
educational tourism.
Many cultural happenings took place and take place every year, such as the
Eftaliotika (the Festival of Eftalou), the International Banquet of Aegean as
well as the Conference "Mediterranean - Europe". Every year festivals for the
protection of the tradition and the architectural inheritance, exhibitions of
painting and popular art, theatrical and musical lectures as well as folklore
theatrical plays are organized. Mithimna is an endless source of inspiration
and has always been a pole of attraction for foreign and local artists. The
number of the artists is increased by the function of the summer department
of the School of Fine Arts.
The foundation of the Art Gallery, in 1981, is a proof of the important cultural
efforts that have been taking place in Mithimna since then. Of an equal
importance is also the temporary or permanent presence of writers in the
village. Stratis Myrivilis is one of them. He had met here the famous "teacher
with the golden hair", who has been the heroine of one his most famous
books. Another custom that takes place in Mithimna the first week of July is
the "Nautical Week". It tales place at the village' s port. Poems that concern
the sea are recited, fishes and wine are offered and the festival goes on with
traditional dances, songs and fireworks.

SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
The School of Fine Arts is established in a restored building that had been
constructed in 1812 and belonged to M. Komninaki Kralli. Since 1960, date of
the School' s foundation, it belongs to the Ministry of Education and Religion.
It is a traditional building of two stores made of stone and wood (berdes), with
frescos that have been completely revalued in 1995 when the operations of
the restoration, made by Panagioti Gouto, finished. During the decade of
sixties, many Greek students with their professors and many foreigners
(Dutch School) stayed in the village of Mithimna. Their works are exhibited in
the Art Gallery. It is a place that can be visited and where students stay and
work. Hospitality is been given also to foreign painters. Recently, in 1995,
hospitality has been given to 8 famous painters from Russia. When they got
back to Russia they made an exhibition of their works through which they
presented Lesbos and Mithimna.
ART GALLERY – CONFERENCE CENTRE
The Art Gallery of Mithimna is situated in the centre the village. In the yard of
the building there is the bust of the poet and writer Argyri Eftalioti, who was
born in Mithimna. The works of many painters have been gifted to the Art
Gallery and are exhibited in a permanent exhibition. During the period that
starts from 1/6 until 31/9, every year, exhibitions of Fine Arts (sculpture,
painting, pottery, photography, wooden sculpture and carving) are organized.
This exhibition has a commercial character. We should talk about, though, the
cultural happenings that take place and whose purpose is to bring the
younger generations closer to the parts of the civilization that belong to the
past. Such cultural happenings are exhibitions of old utensils, embroideries,
dress and old photos. The entrance to the Gallery is free. From there we have
a panoramic view over the village and the sea. The Art Gallery is open to the
public from the middle of May until the end of October
The Conference Centre of Mithimna is established in an old traditional
restored public building that has been specially restored for this purpose. It is
situated in the centre of Mithimna (market place). We can reach it by car

without any difficulty. The main conference hall has 203 places for the
participants and six places for the organization committee. There is also a
central system of heating and cool-air. There is a screen for video projections
and a projector. There is also a telecommunication with the spare spaces and
the exhibition (in case of an emergency the connection is easy and direct). As
far as the secretarial support is concerned, it can be supplied by the Municipal
Unit according to the conference' s demands.
ARCHITECTURE
Through the architecture and the structure that characterize the village of
Mithimna, we can follow the cultural and social development of the society of
Mithimna. The architectural character and the town planning of Mithimna
reveal to us the continuing of a very interesting history. The geographical
position of Mithimna on the north coast of the island, opposite Troy on the
coast of Minor Asia, was of an equal strategic importance with the
geographical position of Mytilini. The town of Mithimna had the possibility to
control the north traffic towards the Gulf of Adramytti. The town was built on a
peninsula towards the port.
From the sea it was protected by a natural fortification made of hills. The
fortification was much stronger from the land because the wall was the
continuity of those hills, a part of which belongs today to the medieval castle.
The most ancient parts of the wall situated on the land, which were 2900
metres long, date back to the 8th century a. C. As the walls of Mithimna' s
fortifications had not been destroyed by the Athenians in 427 a. C., as it
happened to many other towns, the ruins of the walls are the most ancient on
Lesvos.

The stones are rounded and the joints are not very well fitted. Since the
byzantine era until nowadays, the town of Mithimna remains and is developed
to the same geographical position. A systematic research though, would
reveal many details that concern the medieval form of the town.
The fact that the town had to be constructed in a limited area, for
defense reasons at the beginning, but also because of the morphology
of the soil (steep rocky surface) led to a perfect exploitation of the
whole area.
This way, the town of Mithimna presents a net of narrow streets,
where older buildings, constructed the one after the other, compose a
solid entity of houses.
There is no free space in the historical centre of Mithimna.
The town has maintained its particular character, which has been
formed during the last two centuries of the Turkish rule and particularly
during the 19th century.
The fact that the town had to be constructed in a limited area, for defense
reasons at the beginning, but also because of the morphology of the soil
(steep rocky surface) led to a perfect exploitation of the whole area. This way,
the town of Mithimna presents a net of narrow streets, where older buildings,
constructed the one after the other, compose a solid entity of houses. There is
no free space in the historical centre of Mithimna. The town has maintained its
particular character, which has been formed during the last two centuries of
the Turkish rule and particularly during the 19th century.

RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
The Religious Festival of St Paraskevi. This religious festival takes place on
the 26th of July, in the village of Vafio.
The Religious Festival of St Ioanni. This religious festival takes place on the
29th of August, in the village of Vafio.
MUNICIPAL UNIT OF PETRA
The Municipal Unit of Petra is situated to the northwest part of the island. It is
consisted of the villages of Petra, of Lafiona, of Skoutaro, of Stypsi, of
Ypsilometopo and of the summer resorts of Anaxos and Petri.
This Municipal Unit is 55 kilometers from Mytilini. Petra is a seaside village
built in the middle of a green plain, which according to tradition, it was the
Achilles' anchorage during the war of Troy. Before we take down the hill, on
our way to Petra, we have the chance to admire the view over the village
facing the open sea, decorated by the wide beach, the rich vegetation, the
cultivations of the villagers and the chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the
"Glykofilousa", situated on the top of a high rock in the middle of the village.

During the last years, the village of Petra has been developed in a modern
summer resort. In the summer, a lot of tourists visit this place, which is the
"centre of amusement" with a lot of bars, taverns and restaurants. In the
village of Petra, the visitor will find also a branch of the Greek Organism of
Telecommunications, banks, a public clinic, a veterinary, cars and bicycles to
let. Just opposite the beach of Petra there are three isolated islands.
The biggest of them is called the island of St George. Caiques and fish boats
that start from the port of Petra make regular trips to those islands. The visitor
has the possibility to organize excursions and to spend the night in the open
air. In Petra he will have his portrait made. He can either make sports or go
for shopping.
Petra is the country of many personalities of the art and letters. Among them,
we distinguish Neokli Kazazi, Thrasyvoulo Stavrou, K. Frilingo and Oresti
Kanelli. The ancient (Greek) graves that were found at the position
Keramidaria at a distance of 600 metres from the village prove that this place
has been inhabited in the past. We have also found coins of the Roman era,
Byzantine relieves, a two headed eagle surrounded by a wall in the yard of
the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and frescos of the 16th century in the
church of St Nikolaos. During the 17th century, the fact that Petra was a highdeveloped
place in the domain of commerce and culture attracted the

apacious interest of the French pirate Hugus de Crevellier, who in 1675
terrifies the islands of Aegean. In the same year, during March, in one night
he managed together with 800 pirates to conquest the village of Petra. After
the pillage he took with him 500 inhabitants as slaves.
The greatest and brightest religious festival of the village in August 15th every
year is the religious festival dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This festival
is the most important event at least to the northeast part of the island. From
every part of Lesvos We will see believers coming to the Blessed Virgin Mary
to honour her sake. Popular dances and songs at the central square of the
village accompany this celebration.
Despite the pillage of the whole village, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
as well as all the other churches in the village of Petra escaped the
destruction. This is probably due to the fact that the pirates were Christians.
The village of Petra, like the whole island, did not escape the Turkish
enslavement. On the 4th of December in 1912, three warships of the Greek
fleet, Athenai, Mycali and Esperis into co-ordination with the Greek army of
Mytilini liberated the village of Petra and beaten the Turkish army on the hill of
Clapados (680).
The commander in chief of the three Greek warships that anchored in the port
of Petra was the Admiral Koundoriotis. The Turkish army surrendered
unconditionally, in the morning of the 8th December in 1912. From the village
of Petra, we have the possibility to visit the other villages of the Municipal Unit
of Petra, which are especially picturesque
ANAXOS - SKOUTAROS
If the visitor prefers to enjoy a beach as beautiful as the beach of Petra and
taste traditional delicacies by the sea, he can always visit the summer resort
of Anaxos, 2 kilometres from Petra. If he prefers, though, the places and the
beaches that are intact from the tourist side effects he can drive another three
kilometres from the summer resort of Anaxos to the area of Micri Tsihranda

(Ambelia). A little bit further, he will find the village of Skoutaros (7 kilometres
from Petra) built on a green slope
LAFIONAS
The village of Lafionas is situated to the northwest of Petra in a distance of 5
kilometres. It is a picturesque village with a fantastic view over the village of
Petra and Mythimna, decorated by the traditional cafes and its beautiful
countryside. A "Folklore Museum" is open to the public in the summer. It is
established in the Primary School and its exhibition contains objects that the
villagers lend to the Museum in order to keep the traditions and the past alive.
According to information that passes from generation to generation, the
village must have been built 400 years ago (during the period of piracy and
the venetian dominion) because, as it is said, every time the inhabitants heard
about a raid they quitted the village and took refuge in the woods. In the
village there is also a cross-shaped basilica dedicated to the Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was constructed in 1807 and was restored in 1920.
Its reredos is made of cypress wood, with which the inhabitants had been
supplied from a sailing vessel that was carrying lumber to Smyrna and that
because of the bad weather it anchored in the port of Petra. The inhabitants of
Lafiona bought it then for 300 gold liras. There are only three temples of this
kind on the island of Lesbos. At the rural position "Tekes", which is three
kilometres from the village, we will find the first Monastery on the island
constructed in 325 p. C. It is dedicated to St Alexander, who had been
Mithimna' s First Bishop. St Alexander participated to the A' Ecumenical
Synod of Nikea. The church is a paleochristian basilica and among the
various founds we will find well maintained the engraved monument made of
stone, where the relics of St Alexander was kept.
STIPSI
Another village that belongs to the Municipal Unit of Petra is the village of
Stypsi situated to the west side of the mountain Lepetymnos. The village of
Stypsi is a characteristic example of mountainous village. At the position
"Castreli" we will find ruins of a small medieval castle.
PETRI
The small village of Petri is situated to the east of the Municipal Unit of Petra,
among the walnut trees and the poplars, with a panoramic view over the
village of Petra. In the summer, the village of Petri becomes "an international
place of meetings and gatherings". The only cafe of the village, apart from the
traditional delicacies, it prepares, after order, cock elevated among the fields.
The village of Petri is 2,5 kilometers from Petra. It is worth the pain to walk up
there in the afternoon in order to enjoy the sunset. If you are a tradition lover
you will not miss visiting the watermills at the area of Ligona, 2 kilometres
from the village of Petra. Close to the watermills there still are the
watercourses and the channels that have been carrying the water of the river
to the watermills. Along the river there are plane trees. If you decide to make
this excursion you should take with you water and food.

MANSION OF VARELTZIDENA
The "Mansion of Vareltzidena has been characterized a preservable
monument. Its architectural rhythm is Macedonian with a characteristic
painting and a wooden sculptured decoration. It is built in the beginning of the
18th century and it is named after its last inhabitant, an old lady, who died in
1940, when she was 100 years old. In 1963, the Ministry of Civilization bought
it from Vareltzidena' s heirs. The house consists of two stories (a ground floor
and one floor upstairs). In the ground floor there is a big storeroom, where
olive oil and wine was stored. In the upstairs floor there is a big reception
room and around it rooms. In one of these rooms the landlord used to invite
the notables of the village in order to discus the village' s problems. The
throne of the landlord still exists and on it we can see his coat of arms. The
ceiling is decorated with a pigeon, the symbolism of the Peace. On the roof of
the mansion there is a hiding-place, where the owners were hiding from the
pirates. In the ladies living room, on the walls there are paintings that
represent Constantinople
ARCHITECTURE
Most of the houses in Petra are made of stone and their roof is covered with
tiles. In the beginning of the past century, the houses of the rich people had
two stories (ground floor and one floor upstairs), where the ground floor was
built only from stone and had no windows. The first floor from its three sides
was made of wood and had balconies (called "sahnisinia"). The ground floor
consisted of a big yard paved with flat stones from Malta and of a big
storeroom.
CUSTOMS
The greatest and brightest religious festival of the village in August 15th every
year is the religious festival dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This festival
is the most important event at least to the northeast part of the island. From
every part of Lesvos We will see believers coming to the Blessed Virgin Mary
to honour her sake. Popular dances and songs at the central square of the
village accompany this celebration.
WOMEN ASSOCIATION
The Association was founded in 1983. The initiative of its foundation belongs
to the General Office for the Equality of the two sexes. Twenty-four women,
who come from Petra, founded the first Agricultural Association of Women in
Greece. Their main goals were and still are the increase of the family income
on behalf of the woman and her economic independence. These women rent
rooms with a view over the sea or the narrow paved streets of the village,
which is decorated with beautiful gardens. You have the possibility to stay
with your family either to the rooms rented by the association or stay to a
small house on your own. In the morning, a delicious homemade breakfast
expects you. During the summer, the women of the Association own a
restaurant at the central square of the village, where traditional food is served.

RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
Religious Festivals of Petra.
The Religious Festival of St Kyriaki. It is celebrated on the 7th of July
The Religious Festival of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is celebrated on the 15th
of August.
Religious Festival of Lafiona.
The Religious Festival of St Paraskevi. It is celebrated on the 26th of July.
MUNICIPAL UNIT OF POLYCHNITOS
The Municipal Unit of Polichnitos consists of the villages of Polichnitos,
Lisvori, Vatera, Vrisa, Nyfida, Vassilika and Stavros.
This Municipal Unit is situated to the south east part of the island (45
kilometres from the capital, the city of Mytilini) among the olive groves, the
pine- trees forests and the sources with clear waters and wonderful beaches.
According to the oral tradition, the village took its name from the words "Polla
ihni" (meaning many small villages). According to the legend, many small
villages situated mostly on the seashore, because of the raids of the Saraken
pirates had to move and to come all together to their present position that is
situated away from the sea.
This area is surrounded by mountains and it is invisible from both the Gulf of
Kalloni and the Aegean Sea.

The Municipal Unit of Polichnitos has an excellent place on the island of
Lesvos as far as the agricultural economy and the tourism are concerned. The
area is being developed continually into a remarkable summer resort. The
most famous beaches in the Municipal Unit of Polichnitos are the beaches
Nifida and Vatera.
VASILIKA
Passing through the forest of Pyrra with the tall pine-trees and through the
area Tsingos with the sources and the clear waters, we will meet the village
Vassilica. It was named like this, either because during the byzantine era it
used to give hospitality to kings or because in the area there were royal
estates.
LISVOSRI
At the Municipal Unit of Polichnitos we can also visit the village Lisvori, a
village full of life. The main occupation of the inhabitants is the cultivation of
their fields. This area is famous for the production of anise, an aromatic herb.
Its seeds are used in the preparation of ouzo. This area produces the most
aromatic olive oil on the island.
VRISA
It is a village with a great intellectual tradition, with houses made of stone,
distinguished for their hewed stone coins and their special architecture.
In the centre of the village there is a very beautiful square with a traditional
cafe and a very old plane tree. If you are lucky you might watch the
celebration of a traditional marriage or a traditional dance accompanied with
folk music or the horse races organized by the Equestrian Association of

Vrisa. You could also enjoy a performance of the children' s orchestra, which
belongs to the cultural association.
VATERA
In the summer resort of Vatera the tourist has the possibility to enjoy every
kind of holiday. Vatera because of its geographical position and the
organisation in whatever concerns the tourism is the most appropriate place
for sea sports, excursions with tourist boats, fishing during the day and the
night, but also for hiking in the mountains that surround the summer resort of
Vatera. As we mentioned before, Vatera is a summer resort, which is in a
continuous and spectacular development. In this area we will find many hotels
(specially organised for families), rooms to be let and a well organised
camping so as to serve the thousands of tourists, who visit the area every
year. You will also find enough taverns, restaurants, cafes, discos and bars
whose owners are more than willing to serve you and to take good care of
you.
STAVROS
The village Stavros is the smallest section of the Municipal Unit of Polichnitos.
The main occupations of the inhabitants are the agriculture and the cattle
raising. The village Stavros is famous for its olives, its cheese (the fresh
cheese and the cheese stored in olive oil), the paste made with coarse flour
and sour milk, its vegetables without fertilizers and last but not least the
mushrooms that we will find under the pine-trees, called in greek "pefkites".
HOT SPRINGS – GEOTHERMY
Of a remarkable importance are also the Natural Hot Springs of Lisvori. These
springs are sulphurous.

Of an equal importance are also the Natural Hot Springs of Polichnitos, where
from the bowels of the earth bubbles up the "kakavi", a special substance.
LOCAL PRODUCTS
Organic Olive Oil
In the area of Ancient Pyrra, which is called today Achladeri, there is a farm,
where organic cultivations of olive-trees take place with a great success and
organic olive oil is produced.
Dairy products - Sardines - Olive oil - Crackers
Whoever visits the Municipal Unit of Polichnitos should not omit to choose
among its local products the hard cheese, the fresh cheese and the famous
paste made with coarse flour and sour milk, the sardines conserved in salt,
the olive oil of a very good quality and the crackers made with wheat, all
produced in the Municipal Unit with the special care of its inhabitants.

AMUSEMENT – SPORTS
On the very beautiful beaches of Skala Polichnitou we can find all the time of
the year restaurants and fish taverns, which prepare well-cooked meals, fresh
and tasty fish caught in the Gulf of Kalloni and where everybody is more than
willing to serve the visitor. If you find yourselves in the Municipal Unit of
Polichnitos, you will have the chance to go for hunting, fishing and swimming,
skiing or sailing. The beaches Polichnitos and Nyphida are very clean. The
last one has been even awarded the blue flag of the European Community.
FESTIVALS
The Trawl Festival
One of the festivals, which are worth watching, is the festival of the fishermen,
the Trawl Festival that takes place during the month of August.
The biggest religious festival of the Municipal Unit, is the Festival of Saint
Constantine that takes place on the 21st of May.
Of an equal importance are also the Religious Festivals of the Blessed Virgin
Mary "The Source of Life", the Religious Festival of Saint Georgios on the
23rd of April, the Religious Festival of Prophet Elias, which takes place on the
20th of July and the Religious Festival of The Saint Trinity.
MUNICIPAL UNIT OF PLOMARI
The Municipal Unit of Plomari consists of the small town of Plomari and the
villages Akrasi, Ampeliko, Megalohori, Neohori, Paleohori, Plagia and
Trygona. The town of Plomari is an insular town with a view over the blue sea
of Aegean. It is a small town of 3800 inhabitants. It was built in 1845.
The modern town is built around the old historical centre and the Church of
Saint Nikolaos. Consists of the neighborhoods Platano, Agia Paraskevi,
Tarsana, Agora, Proastio, Prophet Elias. To the east 2 kilometers away form
Plomari, we will find the summer resort Saint Isidoros and to the west the
picturesque area Ammoudeli.

Plomari thanks to the kindness and hospitality of its people, became a great
nautical, commercial and industrial centre of the previous century. The
contemporary settlement is built around the historic centre and the church of
Agios Nikolaos and consists of the neighborhoods Platanos, Agia Paraskevi,
Tarsanas, Agora, Proastio, Profitis Ilias.
At the eastern side of Plomari, 2 klm away there is the seaside resort of Agios
Isidoros and at the west side the picturesque Amoudeli. The area of Tarsanas
took the name from the famous shipyards, since a lot of shipmen and
craftsmen were gathered there in order to construct ships and sailboats for
the Aegean markets.
The climate conditions all over the years are of the most ideal of the insular
part. Calm winter, beautiful spring, cool summer, unforgettable Aegean
autumn.
24 hours a day the Medical Centre works. Apart from the medical services, a
synchronous tele-medical system works also.

AKRASI
A settlement about 17 klm away from Plomari. Its architecture reveals a great
interest. A special characteristic is the ideal beach of Drota where you will find
taverns with fresh fish, fruits and vegetables.
AMPELIKO
A mountain settlement built on Olympos mountain. All the round area is full of
pines. It is 21 klm away from Plomari
MEGALOCHORI
What you can meet there are trees and fresh cold waters, while the
architecture constitutes a great picture. Clean fresh air, and two churches,
bring the visitors close to God.
NEOCHORI
16 klm away from Plomari. Is a very nice settlement, with plain vegetation and
natural beauty.
PALEOCHORI
The village Paleochori is 11 kilometers from Plomari decorated with the
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Evangelistria.
PLAGIA
We will find the village Plagia situated in a plain very close to Plomari. The
port of the village is situated in the area Agia Varvara
TRIGONAS
The village Trygonas is a very beautiful village, very close to Plagia.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES – FESTIVALS – CUSTOMS
Cultural Activities
From the 20th of August until the 30th of the same month there is a very
important cultural happening that takes place in order to honour Veniamin the
Lesbian. This happening is called the "Veniaminia".
Religious Festivals
The Religious Festival of Saint Nikolaos takes place on the 6th December.
The last week of July take place the famous Religious Festivals of Prophet
Elias, Saint Paraskevi and Saint Panteleimona.
The Second Resurrection of Jesus Christ . The easter custom of The Second
Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a particular characteristic custom.
LOCAL PRODUCTS
Plomari is the mother land of ouzo. Ouzo of Plomari is one of the most
favorite Greek spirits. Has its own personality, its own taste, its own legacy
and keeps its own secrets, secreta that are so familiar to the local distilleries
that produce it..
Varvagiannis museum Varvagiannis museum
All these secrets have concentrated, and have made it a product of great
importance and high quality. You may taste all the varieties of local distillery.

In the mountainous villages situated in calm places of an excellent natural
beauty, the visitor will have the chance to make excursions and learn about
the agricultural life and the cultivation of the olive.
AMUSEMENT - SPORTS
You should taste of course the already known traditional meals, which are
cooked in a special way. And of course you will not forget to taste the famous,
for its special taste, ouzo of Plomari.