History of Leros
Leros Island is picturesque and charming wherever you look, a paradise of serenity, beauty, and traditional life. The quiet island life combined with the fascinating landscapes with low hills and flatlands that reach the sea, create a unique place of relaxation. Leros offers a memorable holiday experience that is a paradise for the soul, a heaven for traditional lovers and anyone longing for the authentic island way of life.
GREEK MITHOLOGY
According to Hellenic mythology, Leros was the island of the goddess of islands and hunting, Artemis, and took the name from the word “leros” that means flat. Her temple believed to have been located in Partheni. It is said that Leros had connections with the city of Caldon in Aetolia. When Oeneus was the king of Calydon, Artemis sent a wild boar to the area which destroyed the fields and terrorized people. At that time the mythical hero Meleager, son of Oeneus king, promised to kill it.
Artemis, however, considered Meleager’s act disrespectful and insulting and made sure he was immediately killed. His four sisters mourned his loss inconsolable. The goddess felt pity for them and transformed them into birds, the so-called Meleagris hens, and brought them to her sanctuary in Leros, where the temple priests took care of them.
Goddess Artemis
Artemis was the daughter of Zeus and Leto, twin sister of Apollo, queen of mountains and forests, goddess of hunting, protector of young children and animals. She was born on a barren island, where Leto had fled in order to hide from Hera’s jealousy. There, with help from all female deities, she gave birth to Artemis and a little later to her brother, Apollo.
Beautiful and brilliant, Artemis gained the respect and esteem of other gods from an early age. One of the first things she asked Zeus was to give her the privilege of chastity and purity. Solemn and proud, she retained her purity, devoted to hunting and nature, indifferent to the joys of marriage and the pleasures of love. She demanded purity and chastity not only of herself but also of the Nymphs who surrounded her and the women who served her.
Artemis was an active, tough, restless and relentless goddess, who almost never forgave. Her favorite activity was hunting. Dressed in plain light clothing and appropriate equipment, she was almost always found hunting enthusiastically and furiously. Unbeatable and commanding, a keen expert of arching art and a very capable runner and hunter, she became an excellent passionate hunter. Artemis had many and various symbols. From animals and plants, to weapons: goat, wild goat, deer, bear, dog, snake, laurel, palm tree, cypress, sword, quiver, spear etc.
JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY
Leros’ first inhabitants were Phoenicians, Leleges and Carians. The island has a long history that goes back to the Trojan War, in which it actively participated, as the Hellenic poet Homer references. In 494 B.C. Leros and Miletus were conquered by the Persians.
According to reports, the island attracted Romans, Genoese and Venetians. In 1309 it was occupied by the Knights of Saint John, until 1521, when it got under the Ottoman rule and became occupied by the Turks. During the Hellenic Revolution of 1821 many residents of Leros helped in the fight for independence and the island became an important base for supplying the Hellenic Navy.
In 1912 it was occupied by the Italians, whose influence can be seen in the smaller settlements’ architecture, but especially in the arrangement and the facades of the buildings at Porto Lago or Lakki settlement. Due to its natural ports, the Italians made the island a fortified naval and aero naval base. Later on, with the Treaty of Lausanne, the islands remained under the Italian occupation and Hellenic education along with Orthodox worship were banned, in order to force the Italian culture and education on the residents. In 1940 Italy entered the World War II along Germany and Leros suffered a lot of air raids and bombings by the British War Airforce. In 1943 Italy surrendered to the Allies. When British forces reached Leros, the island was once again bombed from Germans this time.
One can still see the remains of the war in the tunnels and the sunken ship wreckages, such as the Queen Olga wreckage, which was attacked in the port of Leros on September 26, 1943. On November 18, the island was occupied by the Germans, who ruled until May 8, when Germany surrendered. Then the British came to the island and ruled until the island was united with the Hellenic state in March 1948.
IMPORTANT SIGHTS
Agia Marina Castle
One of the most imposing Aegean castles, which may not be so famous, but is a monument of unique beauty in the Dodecanese is located on the rock above Panteli Bay. The The castle was of great strategic importance and was built during the Byzantine years on the ruins of an ancient fortress. Panagia Castle or Panteli Castle, extends to an area of 10.000 square meters and has an unobstructed view over the two ports of Leros, the bay of Agia Marina, and Alinda. It was used to protect the inhabitants from pirate raids.
During World War II, the Italians used it as an observatory and a fortress. It also has good visual contact with the fortifications of Kalymnos, the Asia Minor coast, and the sea area around the island. A series of windmills shows the way to the imposing monastery of Panagia of the Castle and the Ecclesiastical. The museum that exhibits sacred objects of fathomless value. Strolling in the beautiful neighborhoods of Platanos enjoying the view will make you love Leros and come back for more.
Lakki
Lakki is the largest natural port in the Eastern Mediterranean and its bay was once a marsh. It is a beautiful settlement with a European city layout, rows of eucalyptus trees and imposing buildings of Italian architecture. The design and conversion of the picturesque bay into a city took place during the Italian occupation (1930-1936). The modern street layout and the imperative public and private buildings, are all a typical example of Italian rationalist architecture, and can be admired to this day.
War Museum “Merikia Tunnel”
The War Museum of Leros is one of the most impressive museums in Hellas, as it is in a tunnel. Leros served for many years as a military naval base for the Italians. Among war galleries and objects from the battles, such as helmets struck by bullets, weapons, uniforms, etc., combined with the original sounds of war and sirens from the loudspeakers, you will live an unforgettable experience.
Temple of Artemis in Partheni
The archaeological site in Partheni is located in an open area next to the airport. The Artemis temple ruins are among the oldest sights of the island. According to legend, in the temple lived guineafowls, the enchanted sisters of Meleager.
Bourtzi Fortress
On the south side of Agia Marina port the visitor can see the ruins of a small medieval fortress. What is remarkable about this fortress is the four arched openings, which in their original form were covered vaulted defense spots. In the interior you can still see the remains of a water tank.
Agios Isidoros
Agios Isidoros is one of the most romantic spots on the island. It is a picturesque chapel, in the area of Kokkali, built on an islet that is connected to the mainland by a stone path. An ideal spot for stunning photos or romantic moments, below the chapel that looks like it is emerging from the sea.
Belleni Tower
Belleni Tower is an architectural gem of the 20th century, as it beautifully combines medieval and neoclassical features with an influence of the Italian style. It is a stone-built, two-storey building (three-storey at the turrets) located on the coastal road of Alinda in Leros. It is surrounded by a large and nice garden, which stands out from afar. It used to be the country house of the national benefactor Parisis Bellenis, a contractor from Egypt, and later, during the Second World War, it functioned as a hospital for Germans.
Belleni Tower impresses you both externally and internally, as it houses the Folklore and Historical Museum of the island. On the first floor you will admire the collection of costumes, embroidery and various other items. The second room is dedicated to the painter and fighter Kyriakos Tsakiris, who was imprisoned in Leros, while the third room features the period of the Second World War, during which the tower operated as a hospital.
BEACHES
PANTELI – ORGANIZED
The most popular beach of Leros, next to the settlement of the same name. It is organized and here you will find one of the largest beach bars on the island, while nearby there are other shops and mini markets.
VROMOLITHOS – ORGANIZED
One of the most beautiful and popular beaches of Leros, next to the settlement of the same name. It is long, sandy, with facilities for guests. You will find several traditional restaurants and beach bars.
DYO LISKARIA – ORGANIZED
A beautiful cove with deep blue sea and shelterd beach. This small beach is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds and there are restaurants and coffee shops nearby.
AGIA KOURA – NOT ORGANIZED
A small, somehow isolated but charming beach with sand in the sea bottom and pebbles on the beach. Ideal for diving but not organized.
ALINDA – ORGANIZED
The largest beach of Leros. It has blue waters, sand and pebbles and is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds. Nearby there are shops and taverns.
GOURNA – ORGANIZED
Known for its greenish block beach and clean shallow water. There are umbrellas and sunbeds as well as trees that offer natural shade. Behind the beach you will find a selection of coffee shops and restaurants.
MUST SEE
Diving
The island of Leros is gradually becoming one of the top diving destinations. The island’s sea bottom hides a great amount of war shipwrecks, airplanes and ships, the most a diver can see right after Normandy. It also has a seabed with rich ecosystem and caves. On the island there are certified diving centers, offering diving lessons for beginners and more advanced divers who can explore the seabed with the rich underwater island history and the Battle of Leros.
Cycling on the island!
The ideal destination for cycling lovers. For those who wish to use the bicycle as transportation, in most settlements the routes are easy. For mountain bike lovers, Leros, with its special terrain, is the ultimate destination! In Leros there is a cyclist-friendly hotel (Saraya Resort), which can provide guests with electric bicycles and, collaborating with the Cycling Association of the island, has mapped digitally 20 routes for cycling.
Cruises to the surrounding islands
From the small port of Agia Marina, you book cruises with traditional wooden boats and get to know Aspronisia, Marathi, Tiganakia, Arki and Lipsi! An even more special experience during your trip to Leros is the visit to Archangelos – an islet of the Dodecanese, opposite the bay of Partheni, It has been declared a wildlife reserve and offers shelter to the friendly wild goats of the island.
CHURCHES & MONASTERIES
Panagia Kavouradaina
Built between two large rocks, the chapel of Panagia Kavouradaina is one of the most beautiful churches of Leros. Here, you will admire the simple beauty and all the island’s majesty. According to folk tradition, the church was built on the spot where the icon of the Virgin Mary was found. It is said that a fisherman who was collecting shells was bitt by a crab. At that moment he saw on a rock the icon of Virgin Mary. He immediately prayed and his wound was healed. Then he took the icon and transferred it to the village church. In the evening he dreamt of a black-clad woman, who asked him to take her to the place where he had found the icon. In the morning the icon was found again on the rock and so it was decided to have a church built on this spot dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elijah)
Next to the Panagia Castle there is a small, beautiful and picturesque chapel, Prophet Elijah. It is one of the most famous chapels of the island with a unique view of Alinda bay. It can be accessed by car, following the road to the castle. There is a small windowsill on which you can sit and enjoy a unique sunset by the blue Aegean.
Agia Matrona-Kioura
Behind Partheni bay, in a wonderful location, the church of Panagia Kioura is built. Here, you will admire impressive frescoes, created by political prisoners in the camp of Leros during the seven-year dictatorship. Among them were MPs, members of the Left political beliefs, fighters of the National Resistance, intellectuals, artists, the elderly and mothers with babies.
The representations on its walls are unique. They depict various figures of saints, but also prisoners taking part in the Passions of Christ, and the Virgin Mary and Hellas jointly mourn their children. The chapel has been marked as a listed monument and is considered a unique monument of modern history that captures the anguish and deprivation of freedom of the Hellenic people during the years of dictatorship.
FESTIVALS & TRADITIONS
July
In July, Agia Kyriaki is celebrated with an evening mass on the eve of July 6th and a Holy Mass on the morning of July 7th on Agia Kyriaki islet right outside Panteli bay.
July 16, 17: The island celebrates Agia Marina.
At the end of July, in Alonaris feast, celebrated on the beach of Gourna, the largest festival with a re-enactment of grain threshing takes place, near the traditional grain threshing floor. Straws are placed on the threshing floor and a horse-drawn cart goes over it, and then the dances and songs begin.
August
August 14, 15: The feast of the patron saint of the island, Panagia of the Castle, takes place in Platanos.
August 26: The festival of Agios Fanourios takes place in Xerokambos area, where the press grape is reenacted.
September
The festival of trawl net fishing takes place in Panteli. The fish and the catch of the day are cooked and offered free of charge with wine in the square of Panteli where there is a great feast with live music and dancing.