(Distance from
Piraeus: 186 n. m. Area: 477 sq.km - Population:17,000.)
 In
Antiquity, Lemnos was a place of worship of Earth and Fire.
Mythology states that it was here where the workship of Hephaestus
was located. Homer writes that inhabitants were blacksmiths,
pupils of Hephaestus.
This island has a very long history. Two of its cities, Myrina and
Hephaesteia (or Hephaestiada) were renowned in the ancient world.
The capital, Myrina (or Castro) is clean and friendly, built on
the ruins of the ancient city of the same name, in the recess of
an enchanting bay, overlooked by the Venatian castle.
As we walk on, stone-paved lanes, with mariner's homes and wooden
balconies surround us. A cool scented breeze can be
felt. The magic of this island may be an elaborate wood carved
temple (in the cathedral), an ancient vessel or statue (in the
Museum), a courtyard or a haunting sunset.
Leaving Myrina to the Northeast, we pass through picturesque
villages and vineyards to reach Livadochori; from here a communal
road leads us to Atsiki, a village with marvelous views to the bay
of Pournias and taverns with fresh fish. To the Southeast of
Livadochori the road leads to Nea Koutali, a charming area full of
pines and springs.
 Exactly
opposite from Nea Koutali, on the eastern side of the big bay
which deeply dents the land of Lemnos, lies Moudros, the island's
second most important city, with its beautiful houses, majestic
church and enchanting coast.
To the east of Moudros is Polichni, with its ruins of a Neolithic
town and a few remnants of a Bronze Age settlement. To the south,
the road crosses a weird sandy landscape known as "Sahara of
Lemnos" and ends at the southernmost point of the island
where stands the Monastery of St Sozon (Saviour). Here on the 7th
of September of each year one of the biggest festivities in Lemnos
takes place, with local dances and songs. Another road, to the
north of Moudros, passes by marvelous villages like Kotsina and
Kontopouli, then turns left at the junction bringing us to
Hephaesteia - the ancient city with remaining ruins of a 5th
Century BC theatre - and Chloe, with remnants of perhaps the most
ancient temple of the Caveiroi and the famous cave of Philoctetes.
Lemnos with its genuine humanity and its history, knows how to be
hospitable, offering the gifts of Greece - purity and beauty.
A must to buy is honey, ouzo, pistachios and/or ceramics.
Myrina is a port of entry and exit, with Port, sanitary and
customs authorities and a yacht refueling station. |
|
