Eressos Lesvos, the birthplace of Sappho and Theophrastus
ERESOS
Eressos, is a traditional village located west. island of Lesvos and is 95 km from Mytilene, the capital. Here he was born the great lyric poet of antiquity, Sappho and philosophers, Theophrastus and Fanny. The picturesque village with beautiful houses, the long beach of Skala, historical and religious monuments in the region, make it an ideal place to stay and tour.
Eressos can sit for coffee or ouzo on the main square "Platanos", as they say, the perennial plane that exists here or walk the streets. You will see the Theofrasteio Elementary School, built in 1928 – 1930 at the expense of American expatriates, which now houses the Municipal and School Gymnasium Eressos and right next, the Nursing Home, and which was built at the expense of American expatriates. Also the Cathedral of St. Irene, with the wooden temple, the old school building, which previously housed the Agricultural School or Imigymnasio and the memorial of the fallen Eresioton. In the central square of Eressos prohibited parking, according to the signs.
HISTORY
Its name derives in Eresos, who was the son of the legendary king Makarios, first settler of the island. Ancient Eressos, He was in today Skala Eressos. He founded by the Greek Achaean tribes or Aeolians, according to 11The – 9The B.C. c., the time of the great migrations of Greek tribes. The transfer of the city from the beach to the mountains became the 17The century. the fear of pirate invasions. H city became an important commercial and shipping center mainly the 6The B.C. century. where he met its heyday. Rich products, cereals, barley, wheat, traded grapes and figs through port, not only in Greece but also in Troy, Hellespont and Egypt.
Skala Eressos
Skala or Yialos is the seaport of Eressos and reach the beach after passing through the green plain (about 3 km). In the fertile valley cultivated many species of trees and particularly the fig tree, which in the past was the most representative type of production and export. Skala is an organized resort, with major hotels, many rooms, brown, restaurants, bars and nightlife. It has a large beach 3 km, with clear waters and fine gray sand. it is organized, with umbrellas and sunbeds, with water sports and is full of beach bar on the sand. If you request something quieter for swimming, if you walk along the coastal road of Skala, you will reach the small beach Peristeria.
SAPPHO The Lesvos Eresos
Born in Eresos of Lesvos, about 650 B.C. and died in 570 B.C. Sappho is considered the most important lyric poet of antiquity. Plato calls it "wise" and "10or Muse", Anacreon "Idimelon", Lucian 'melichron Lesbians accident "the Julian and Antipater" female Homer "and" price Lesbian women ", while Strabo 'marvelous monster ". Horace in 2or Ode tells us that even the dead to the underworld listen to songs with admiration, in sacred silence.
He wrote love poems, hymns to the gods and epithalamia, ie wedding songs, written in the wind diameter. According to descriptions were Bantam, brunette and pleasant, as a woman. He had married a rich man from Andros, the Kerkyla and had acquired a daughter keys.
Due to the political unrest in Lesvos, which led the rich island in exile from Mytilene, Sappho temporarily fled to Sicily. Later, after catalysis tyranny, on Pittakou Mytilineos, He bounced back in Mytilene.
Here Sappho created a conservatory, where she gathered around her beautiful young women, the aristocracy of the island and cities of Asia Minor, to teach them the arts of music and poetry, in the service of Venus and the Muses.
Because the relationship of Sappho with her students had sexual dimensions it went down in history as "lesbian love». After her death, home of Lesbos minted currency in the form of, Pergamon erected statues while in Syracuse, Sicily, except the statue of, constructed a cenotaph in memory of.
The THEOFRASTOS ERESIOS
Born in Eresos 372 B.C. century. and died in 287 B.C. century. A philosopher of antiquity and considered continuator of Aristotle's work. His real name was Aristotle Tyrtamos but originally they called Effrasto later Theophrastus. Aristotle, accompanied by his pupil Theophrastus, He stayed in Lesvos 2 years studying and classifying over 150 animal and fish, in the Gulf of Kalloni, for his book "On Histories Animals'. Harbored such high regard for Theophrastus that when 323 B.C. accused of impiety and forced to flee to Halkida, Theophrastus donated his library and entrusted the direction of the Peripatetic School.
Theophrastus remained at the School 25 years and in that time he taught but also left many writings. This period, The Peripatetic School said to have surpassed 2000 students and among these included Menander, the kings of Macedonia, Philip and Cassander and the king of Egypt Ptolemy‘. Theophrastus never worked actively with politics, but he devoted himself entirely to Science and Philosophy.
He wrote a total of 240 projects, which deal with a multitude of issues surrounding the Ethics, Logic, Rhetoric, History of Science, Metaphysics, the Zoology and Botany mainly. Nowadays excerpts of his works and some full texts such as "About plant history» (9 books), the "About Plants causes» (6 books) and the best-known work, the "characters».
Projects relating to Botany, are, rather the first writings in this area, from antiquity until the Middle Ages. For value of the endemic palm of N. Greece, it is called "Palm tree of Theophrastus», as he was mentioned first in the existence of this plant in Greece, through the work of. in "characters"Theophrastos describes 30 different characters, internal and mental traits of people, according to their morals. The Society of Worldwide Eressos, "THEOPHRASTOS", book issued "Theophrastus of Eresos».
LESVIAKOS TOURISM
Eressos is a tourist destination that receives many tourists from around the world. Among them are many women, lesbians, Sappho enthusiasts who come here to see near the birthplace of the poet of love. Eressos is the Mecca of the female homosexual movement from 1970. The last decade, in September, organized the International Eressou Women Festival, International Eressos Women’s Festival, only for women, which lasts two weeks. It includes various events and activities such as theater performances, Greek dancing lessons, party, open discussions, painting and photography exhibitions, water sports etc..
The International Festival organizers, the Sappho Travel, They said that "all women are welcome regardless of race, the age, interests or sexual orientation '. The festival which aims to highlight the female culture, history and diversity, is Skala Eressos which is considered friendly to LGBTQ.
program festival: http://www.womensfestival.eu
SIGHTSEEING ERESOS
- ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM SCALE ERESOS
It houses finds from excavations in the region.
- CASTLE (VIGLA) ERESOS
Located a short distance from the port of Skala, in tO. settlement. The Byzantine Castle 14th century. It is built on the ruins of the acropolis of ancient Eressos, called Lookout. You will see a few ruins that include a circular and a rectangular tower and a water tank. The two towers are difference in masonry. The square is made with regular rectangular stones and widespread use of ancient material while the circular tower is built of irregular stones mainly of whom very few come from ancient buildings as a downstream. In good condition, the water tank is preserved, which for many is Roman and Byzantine other. The ceiling is vaulted and has a depth. Castle Eressos has undergone alterations and additions primarily from their own Byzantines and then by Gatelouzous, who were rulers of the island from 1355 and after.
EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCHES ERESOS
Skala Eressos is the basilica of Saint Anastasia, referred to as royal St. Andrew, because the back of the sanctuary is buried in St. Andrew, Archbishop of Crete. Considered one of the most important early Christian monuments Syrian press. Adjacent is the Church of St. Andrew, basilica (450A.D.) In the distance 2 km, in Afendeli area, is second basilica, with preserved mosaic floor.
ACTIVITIES IN AND Skala Eressos Eressos
- WALKING-TOUR-OBSERVATION NATURE AND INFLUENZA
An interesting ambulatory path is in the small wetland formed by the torrent Psaropotamo or Chalantara until the Monastery Pythariou, alongside the river. The route is about 3 km by Moni, the artificial barrier are of particular interest as is in wooded countryside, full of trees and poplars. Walking you can observe nature, the birds, flora and fauna of the wetland, To make picnics etc.. The island is famous for bird watching as a migration route for migratory birds, due to its location in the Aegean.
Information, for guided tour:
Pandora Travel Nature Tours, www.pandoralesvos.com, tel. : 6986729992, 2252042080.
Lesvos Bird Watching, www.lesvosbirdwatching.gr, tel. : 6972809610.
SAILING – sea sports-WIND SURF
The main beach of Skala you can go sailing or sailing lessons, To rent a yacht for sea tour, do other water sports, as skiing, flying parachute, banana, sea kayak etc.. On the beach of Sigri you can do Wind Surf and kite Surf.
Information :
Lesbian Group Sailing Offshore Sailing or Mytilene Group, tel. : 2251020204, 6978893703
Alternative sailing, www.alternativesailing.com
Sailbooking.gr, tel. : 2108972282
Pandora Travel Nature Tours, www.pandoralesvos.cif, tel. : 6986729992, 2252042080
Surf victory, tel.: 2253054600
cycling – ERESSOS LAVA TRAIL
Skala Eressos you can rent a bicycle and tour along the coastal road. also, for more experienced cyclists, There are mountain bikes for mountain biking, where you can cross the surrounding hills. Since summer 2017 organized the LESVOS RIDE GRAND PRIX, a sports weekend with mountain running races ( RUNNING TRAIL) and mountain bike (MOUNTAIN BIKE), in "Trails Lava», to discover the Geoparks of Sigri area. Information, for organized cycling, Bike rental and lessons for children and beginners :
Lesvos Ride Cycling, www.lesvosride.com
www.lesvostrail.eu, tel. : 2253071990.
AGRICULTURAL TOURISM SCALE ERESOS & ERESOS
The some – Travel Hiking, www.disa-travel.com, You can arrange an excursion with horses, riding in green sites, to show you the secrets of olive and olive oil, through seminars organized, To participate in work through the traditional professions, as the cheesemaker and the beekeeper, show your jewelery etc..
MONASTERY jars or pithoi
Is located 3 km northeast, Eressos, the lush valley region, inside a hollow ravine resembling a jar. The Monastery Pithari was established in 16The century. and is dedicated to Taxiarhes, Michael and Gabriel.
- the 1931 after leaving the monastery merged with the High Monastery, where there transferred to the monastery archives
- the 1938 the site served as Church Penitentiary, until the German occupation (1940)
- after the Turkish occupation the monastery reopened, with few monks.
You will see the Catholic, with the characteristic column in the altar and ancient columns flanking the narthex. The IM. Jar is a male monastery celebrates on 8 November. The location of the monastery is in front of the artificial lake of the dam Eressos.
SINGLE HIGH
The monastery is located between Antissa and Sigri, on top of Mount Ordymnos, that is why the 18The century. instead called Convent High Monastery of St. John the Theologian. built around the 1101, The architecture resembles a fortress as it has loopholes and a fortified tower and is dedicated to St. John the Theologian. You will see the Catholic, built the 1832, with beautiful frescoes, the temple with the typical large images and the Chapel of the Holy Fathers.
In the monastery library are stored valuable manuscripts and the small Museum, vestments, Gospels and gold reliquaries with Saints bones. Perhaps the oldest exhibit of the museum is a tombstone, which originates from the remains adjacent Byzantine settlement. Distinguished two engraved laurel wreaths where the first is the inscription "MUNICIPALITY" and the second "The Romans", while in the intermediate space distinguished the words "Pamphile HRISTE". The IM. is male monastery celebrates on 8 May.
CUSTOMS – FESTIVITIES IN Eressos
- AXTOU, in Eressos beach.
The custom of "AXTOU», revived by the Cultural Association Eresioton "FANIAS». The night of the stay 1th August, light fires in the neighborhoods, which children and adults dancing and jump over. The custom is to Yialos Square, Skala Eressou with the participation of the dance department of the Association. Residents in this way, welcome the first day of August, as they believe that the fire is the clearance and goes bad.
- OVRIOS, ie the burning of Judas at Easter.
A few days before the Resurrection of Christ, men and young boys climb the mountain and cut shrubs, the astves. Once dry, outside the church of St. Constantine, from where comes the custom, make a small hill with dry branches and top put a scarecrow that symbolizes Judas. At the time of the Resurrection, when the Risen Christ, They lit a fire and burn Judas amid many fireworks.
- CELEBRATION pout, in late August, Skala Eressou.
Organized by the Cultural Association Eresioton "FANIAS ", the courtyard of the Archaeological Museum of Scala.
- MUSIC FESTIVAL PANAGIOUDAS, at 12-13 August, Skala Eressou.
It is a weekend with lots of music, different rates, organized by the Society for Worldwide Eressos "THEOPHRASTOS".
ESCAPE TO IFAISTEIOGENES SIGRI
Sigri is the largest natural port of Lesvos, located in D. the island is from Mytilene, 93 km. It is a fishing village surrounded by small beaches, with clear waters. Sigri will get to eat fresh fish and enjoy seafood ouzo, next to the harbor with boats. You will see the Castle of Sigri (1757) the Arab bow, to the port entrance, the Glass, that the 1923 It works as a church, the ruins of the tank Glass, the Turkish bath and the Church of St. Theophanes.
Sigri apart from the port and marina has. The summer ferry link Lesvos to Thessaloniki and Kavala. In the distance 4 km, B. Sigri, there is the beach of Faneromeni, white sand dunes and is considered the most beautiful beach of D.. Lesbos. The Local Community Sigri, the Association Worldwide Sigrianon "Sigri" and the Cultural Association Sigri 'Theofanis Sigrianis "organize every year many events, like the "Sigriana», in the beach, with the participation of children, Windsurfing races, painting exhibitions, book etc..
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY PETRIFIED FOREST OF LESVOS
Located at the top of the village Sigri, in the center of the protected area of the Petrified Forest and is housed in a modern building 1600 m2. Founded in 1994 in order to study, protection, maintenance and promotion of Petrified Forest of Lesvos, which is a listed natural monument, with global recognition. The museum was awarded the Eurosite Management Award 2001, for the proper promotion and management of the Petrified Forest. He is a founding member of the European Geoparks Network and belongs to the Global Geoparks Network UNESCO (2004).
PETRIFIED FOREST
It is a volcanic creation and is the most important petrified forest in the world, with their trunks in their original position. Before, about, 20 from. years manifested intense volcanic activity in the region B.. Aegean. In central Lesvos created the volcanoes of Vatoussa, of Lepetymnos, of Agras of Anemotia and Mesotopos, with volcanic domes and many different exit points of volcanic material. today 2/3 of Lesvos area covered by volcanic rocks created the period 21 until 16 from. years.
Volcanic eruptions led to the departure of huge quantities of lava, ash and other volcanic material they covered large areas. These volcanic materials initiated by the A. to D.. and they covered the dense and rich forest that existed then.
The movement of volcanic material was rapidly so immediately cover their trunks, the branches, wrists, and the leaves of trees. The isolation of plant tissue by the surface conditions and intense hydrothermal circulation, hot fluids rich silicon followed, allowed the perfect fossilization of plant tissues, under optimal conditions.
During this process was replaced molecule by molecule, organic vegetable matter, from inorganic compounds. Thereby maintained very well the morphological features of trees, as the outer surface of the shank, the growth rings and the internal structure of wood.
Excavations carried out by the Natural History Museum has brought to light many plant fossils, which include the largest known to date Chief fossilized tree trunk, not only on Lesvos but the whole of Europe. Its height is 7,02 m. and the perimeter of 8,58 m. It constitutes the lower portion of the shank which has been maintained in excellent condition. This is one of the largest surviving plant fossils in the world and belongs to the species Taxodioxylon albertense, which is an ancestor of the modern tree of seco.
Also they revealed ranking petrified trunks of coniferous trees belonging to the family of Protopinaceae (Protopinaceae) and exhibit excellent retention of the internal structure and external features of the wood. During the excavations have also revealed many sections of fossilized plants (nuts, leaves, branches, roots), which are exposed in the museum halls. The museum organizes special stages, entitled "Discovering the Petrified Forest"Which enables the visitor to experience representative samples of fossils and interesting facts about the stratigraphy of the volcanic rocks.
GEOTOURISMOS IN PARKS fossil
For lovers of hiking the Natural History Museum, He has carved its own ambulatory geotrails called "The Lava Paths», joining points with geological, record, archaeological and cultural interest.
All routes are marked, per 500 m. and resting places.
Route 1or : FOREST PARK PETRIFIED – ERESOS, length 6,5 km
Route 2or : FOREST PARK PETRIFIED – PARK CHAMANDROULAS – TSICHLIONTAS – Natural History Museum, length 13 km
Route 3or : SIGRI – PARK SIGRI – PARK PLATE – ERESOS, length 15 km
Route 4or : GAVATHAS – Lapsarna, length 7 km.
Route 5or : SVELTE – Lapsarna, along 6km.
(information, Natural History Museum, 2251047033, 2251054434)
PARK SIGRI
Created by the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest. Access to the park is from the surrounding area and the museum occupies an area of 30 ha. in N. side of Sigri. The impressive roots of logs, the ranking fossilized logs, angiosperms and conifers (Pinoxylon paradox;, Pinoxylon sp. Pinus sp.), with unique colors and plant twigs and leaf fossils, They are in excellent condition.
Here you can see large sections of petrified logs have been transferred for safekeeping in the Park area.
PARK PLATE
Is ranked Plaka Sigri, approximately 800 m., N. Sigri. Access to the park is by Rural Road Sigri – Eressos. You can explore by following the landscaped walking routes that lead to all positions of fossils. While in the region have created 3 rest and view locations, to Sigri and the island Nisiopi.
PARK CHAMANDOULA
The Chamandroula region Eresou having high concentration petrified logs, with striking colors and excellent preservation of the morphological features of the wood, so worth the walk.
PARK NISIOPIS
OR Nisiopi or Big Island, It is a small island close by D.. Bay Sigri. Almost throughout the island have been identified hundreds petrified tree trunks with striking colors. in D. the island has marine trunks on the beach. Also in the sea around the island, are petrified trunks of trees beneath the sea surface.
You can browse the sea Islander park, with special boat, glass bottom, an original visit activity offered by the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest.
Guided visits Marine Park made Nisiopi post reservation at the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest (information, tel. : 22530-54434, email: [email protected], www.lesvosmuseum.gr).
GASTRONOMY – LOCAL PRODUCTS Lesvos
The island is famous for olive oil, ouzo, sardines, the wine, honey and milk products, like oil cheese and Gruyere. the morsels, i.e., salted fish, such as anchovies, mackerel, sardines, anchovy and lakerda, It is one of the typical products of the island. The process is purely traditional way that goes from generation to generation.
ACCOMMODATION
Indicatively we report some accommodation in Eressos, Scala and Sigri.
Galini Hotel, 2*, Skala Eressou, tel. : 2253053138
OSTRIA, Skala Eressou, tel. : 2253053015
MARIA PANTERMOU, Skala Eressou, tel. : 2253053267, 2253053462
PENSION KRIKELOS, Skala Eressou, tel. : 2253053376
PENSION ERESSOS, Skala Eressou, tel. : 2253053560
Villa Marilena, Apartments, Skala Eressou, tel. : 2253053094, 2253053637
Villa Susana, Apartments, Eressos, tel. : 2253053154, 2253053567
Orama Hotel, 2*, Sigri, tel. : 2253054226
IOANNIDIS DINOS, Sigri, tel. : 2253054254
ACCESS Eressos
Access to Eressos made by the coastal road : Mytilene – Beauty – Mesotopos – Eressos. If you do not have your own transport (trip duration 1,5 time), alternatively you can take the local bus, bus (duration 2,5 hours) or a taxi from Mytilene. Access to the island of Lesvos is the port of Piraeus and the duration is up 12 hours. During the summer months Lesvos is connected by ferry to the ports of Thessaloniki and Kavala. Also on the island you can come by air as it has Airport linking the International Airport of Athens and Thessaloniki, direct flights.
USEFUL ADDRESSES
Municipality of Lesvos, Local Department Eressos – Antissa, tel. : 2253350100, 2253350110, 22533600, 22533214
Natural History Museum, Sigri, tel. : 2253054434, www.lesvosmuseum.gr
Worldwide Association of Eressos, "THEOPHRASTOS", www.eresostheophrastos.gr
bus Lesvos, route information : 2251028873
Mytilene Airport "Odysseas Elytis", Mytilene – Kratigos, tel. :2251038700
Monastery Pythariou, Eressos, tel. : 2253053239
Monastery High, Antissa, tel. : 2253056259
Archaeological Museum, Skala Eressou, tel. : 2253053332
Community Clinic, Eressos, tel. : 2253053221
Community Clinic, Skala Eressou, tel. : 2253052132
Police, 2253056222
Radio Taxi Mytilene, tel. : 2251023500
