AGIASSOS
Agiassos is one of the most picturesque villages on Lesvos,
clinging to the lush green slopes of Mt. Olymbos, with local
traditions fervently preserved.
The 3,500 inhabitants live in four separate quarters, but what
unites them is the profound faith derived from their common religious and popular roots.
Tradition says that the town was founded after a Madonna's miracle, the icon of whom has been brought by the monk Agathon, who built the church and the Monastery of Panagia of Sion, in 1170.
Agiassos today is a centre for pottery and wood carving. Its
commercial shopping area is lined with shops of popular art.
The small village of Andissa is handsomely spread out on the
luxuriant green slopes of a mountain, and its past is associated with
myths and legends. Churches and monasteries are seen in the area, but the Monastery of Ipsilos really merits the visit.
Not far are the beaches of Kambos and Lapsarnas with crystal clear waters ideal for swimming.
Eressos is the birthplace of Sapphos, as well as of Theofrastos and Phanias. According to the myth, when gods cared for bread, they sent Hermes to Eressos. Its literary tradition continues through the ages. There is a very picturesque central square with a sky-high
plane tree, and its shopping area is always busy.
3 km to the south lies one of the most beautiful
seaside settlements on the island, Skala Eressou.
The junction of the northern and western district of Lesvos, Kaloni has a population of 1,600 inhabitants and a crowded shopping area, being a large fishing centre.
The city has a brilliant literary tradition, since it once
developed a particular civilization. In various sites, there are ruins
of ancient, Byzantine and medieval buildings.
At Kaloni, among others, also lies Siranidi, where the surrender of the Turkish army was signed in 1912. On this site, there is a small building, where copies of relevant documents are on display.
Mandamados is another traditional settlement with a population of about 1,400 inhabitants. Noteworthy is the Monastery of the Taxiarch next to the village.
Mandamados is well known for its tradition in pottery-making, which is still very much alive today. The inhabitants occupy themselves in the making of articles by olive tree wood. The village is also famous for its livestock products and has two cheese-factories.
The sculptured graves at Palios, the renovated olive-oil refinery
and the remains of the medieval castle, on the way to Sarakina, also
merit a visit.
Although this town has officially reverted to its ancient name of Mithimna, most locals still refer to it as Molivos. It is the most
traditional touristic attraction on Lesvos. Its stone houses, with their brightly coloured shutters, pour down to the harbour from a castle-crowned hill. This place has been the source of inspiration for many literary people and poets since ancient times.
The well-preserved Byzantine castle on the top of the hill, climbs the northern side down to the seashore. The village is state protected, while the houses are still made of stones taken from old and deserted habitations.
Touristic highlights are the public fountains of the Turkish
period, the house of Argyris Ephtaliotis, as well as several mansions
with frescoed ceilings.
Mitilini, capital of Greece's third-largest island, lies on the
east coast of the island opposite the shores of Asia Minor, and is
built on seven hills. It includes Kioski, the central area with the
old neighbourhoods and the west side which extends to the lower,
picturesque suburbs. For years, the southern suburbs of Mitilini have been famous for their beauty, serenity and mansions .
Today, Mitilini is a literary, commercial and bank centre with a population of 25,000, and it is the capital of the prefecture. A long tradition in shipping, industry and olive-oil production has helped to create a sort of nobility among land holters, as their impressive mansions enrich the city.
Its shopping centre is capable of meeting the locals' as well as
the tourist's needs.
The traditional village of Moria is one of the most vegetated
villages on the island with picturesque, old houses, narrow streets,
gardens and olive groves. It has a population of about 1,300 inhabitants and is just 6 km from the town of Mitilini.
Significant sights in the village are the church of Agios Vassilios, the imposing remains of the Roman aqueduct and the ancient quarry.
Plomari is the largest village on the island with a population of
about 4,000 inhabitants with a great literary tradition. The city
today houses a Popular Art Museum, while the "Veniamin o Lesvios" Club has excellent literary activities.
In Plomari, one finds beautiful houses along with the churches of Agios Nikolaos and Agia Paraskevi. In the middle of the central square lies a very old living planetree, and one of the four old soap-
factories has developed into a cultural centre where seminars,
projections, exhibitions and performances take place. The area is
also famous for its ouzo and olive-oil production.
45 km west of the town of Mitilini, spread out on the quiet slopes, is the small town of Polihnitos, known for its hot springs.
The entrance of the old stone olive-oil refinery has now developed into a cultural centre. Most of the houses are also made of stone.
Polihnitos's highlights are the church of Agios Georgios, the Monastery of Damandriou, the remains of the Castle of Michael Paleologhos and the traditional village of Vassilika.
Sigri gives its visitor the feeling of isolation. Built on a
breathtaking volcanic landscape, the place is ideal for peaceful
holidays and meditation.
Megalonissi or Nisiopi embraces the bay of Sigri, and there lie a big lighthouse and trunks of petrified trees. Ships find a harbour
here in winter.
Very well-preserved is the castle built by the Turks in 1757, while next to the church of Agios Theofanis lie remains of Turkish baths. Trunks of petrified trees are brought, to the village to give visitors an idea of their fossils.
The place is ideal for fishing and is famous for its lobsters.
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