It is a fact that Lesvos is not as popular as Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos
or Crete. However, it is one of the most beautiful and historical islands of
Greece. If you haven’t visited Lesvos yet, here you can find some interesting
information about the place. After that, we are sure that your next holidays
are going to be there!
For those
who love Greek History and Mythology, Lesvos is an ideal destination as it has
many Archaeological Sites. The best of them are:
Castle of
Mytilene: In the northern part of the city, between a green pine and the sea,
rise the remnants of the castle of Mytilene. It is kept in good condition and
is one of the largest castles of the Mediterranean area. Its construction and
reinforcement took place at various times.
Archaeological
site of Mesa at Agia Paraskevi: The temple of Mesa, dedicated to Jupiter,
Dionysus and Hera, was a center of worship and communication. In the early 4th
century BC, it was the seat of the League of Lesvos’ cities. The site contains
many architectural fragments from the temple. In early Christian times, a
funerary basilica was built on top of the temple, which was later supplanted by
a post-Byzantine church.
Sanctuary of
Apollo at Klopedi is located northwest of Agia Paraskevi, Lesvos and is one of
the most important examples of the archaic architecture of the island. The
temple, probably dedicated to Napaeos Apollo, was first founded in the 8th
century BC and its final form took place in the middle of the 6th
century BC.
The castle
of Sigri is one of the later fortifications on the island. It is located at the
western end of Lesvos and was built in 1757 by Suleiman Pasha in order to
protect the area from pirate raids and to ensure the smooth trading of the
goods. The castle is characterized by the Arabian arc placed over the gate with
red and white stones.
The castle
of Molyvos is located in the northern part of the island of Lesvos at the place
of ancient Mithymna and is the second largest and important castle of Lesvos.
Roman
Aqueduct of Moria: Parts of the Aqueduct are preserved close to the village of
Lampou Mills. The aqueduct is a great technical work that existed there since
the 3rd century AD. It started from Agiasos and arrived at Mytilene.
The most popoular attraction of Lesvos is The
Petrified Forest,
a fossilized forest ecosystem that includes hundreds of standing and contiguous
petrified tree trunks covered with volcanic materials and fossilized in their
place 20 million years ago. Within the layers of volcanic ash are revealed
branches, roots, fruit and tree leaves as well as fossilized animal bones.
Major fossil areas are also found in the coastal zone and in the marine area
west of Lesvos. In the area of the Petrified Forest, there are also impressive
volcanic geotopes, which witness the intense volcanic activity in the past. It
could be described as a window in the geohistoric evolution of the Aegean
region over the last 20,000,000 years. By presidential decree (Presidential
Decree 443/1985) it was declared a preserved monument of nature. In 2004 the
forest joined UNESCO's World Geopark Network. 
The area
"Western Hersonissos of Lesvos - Petrified Forest" is included in the
list of areas of Community importance for nature protection, known as the
European Union's Natura 2000 Network. Three important ecological units are
distinguished in the area, the western land area surrounding the area of the
Petrified Forest with the microenvironments that host rare and often endangered
species of plants and animals, an important sea section around the rocky isle of
Nisipos or Megalonisi and the pine forest Pterounta - Parakoiilli, where the
only Rhododedron in Greece is found.
The rich
cultural heritage of the area of the Petrified Forest includes two of the six
ancient cities of Lesvos, Antissa - the birthplace of the musician and poet
Terpandros - and Eressos - the birth town of the poet Sappho and the great
philosopher Theophrastus, who is considered to be the father of modern ecology.
Visiting
Lesvos without trying the traditional products is a big mistake!
Lesvos is famous for a wide range of traditional products that grow on
this land. Many of these products are displayed in the local shops whether it
is for gastronomic purposes, delicious sweets, beauty oils, aromatic soaps,
traditional delicacies, ceramic pots, wood carved pieces, fruits and vegetables
or other use.
The island is well-known for the fine ouzo, the local drink of Greeks
which accompanies the food of Lesvos cuisine. It is produced in many varieties.
The incomparable taste and flavor of olive oil is a real gift of nature.
In Lesvos, there are more than 11.000.000 olive trees and endless cultivation
areas around the island. The olive oil of Lesvos has been awarded many times in
international exhibitions for its excellent quality.
Lesvos is also known for its long tradition in cheese production and
particularly ladotyri, feta (hard cream cheese) and kasseri (yellow cheese with
a spicy flavor), an ideal appetizer.
The salted anchovies of Kalloni are the most famous product in Lesvos
offered in many waterfront taverns and restaurants around the island.
One of the best products in the world is definitely honey, which is also
available in many parts of Lesvos.
The folklore tradition of Lesvos is still maintained by the locals. A
wide variety of ceramic pots and other pieces can be found in the local
workshops scattered in the town. Woodcarving is also an art that survives in
Lesvos. The women in the island of Lesvos are involved in the art of weaving
and cooking creating some beautiful embroidery pieces that can last for a
lifetime as well as delicious traditional recipes passed from generation to
generation.
