A small island, only 53 sq km, but with a coastline that exceeds 70 km, a number that translates into many lacy shores. Beautiful beaches, a jewel castle, picturesque settlements, old mansions, rich cuisine, hospitable residents: All these make up the image of Leros that effortlessly wins the hearts of its visitors.
Its population in the summer reaches 8,500 inhabitants, and only 500 in the winter months. In Leros you will find the famous Castle of Panagia as well as two ancient castles.
The capital of the island, and oldest district, is Platanos. Old mansions, neoclassical buildings, the windmill in Avlaki and the narrow picturesque alleys that lead you to Panagia tou Kastro, one of the most beautiful Byzantine castles of the Greek islands. The visitor will climb 500 steps to be able to enjoy the panoramic view of the Aegean, from Patmos to Kalymnos and the coasts of Asia Minor.
Most of the 8,500 inhabitants live in Lakki, the island's port (something many people don't know about the island is that its port is the largest natural port in the Mediterranean). Lakki has its own distinct color from the rest of the island due to the architecture of the buildings that are precious remnants of the Italians' stay on the island. In particular, the city was demolished during the interwar period by the Italians in order to build a new one from scratch, with unique architecture in Europe.
The island with the terrible contrasts that for years was a place of exile, a place of humiliation of the human race because of the Public Psychiatric Hospital. The visitor feels that the island is cut in two. One side of it, the public face of Leros with the castle above Platanos dominating the area, with the monastery of Panagia tis Kyra inside, with the beautiful beaches at Gourna, Alinda, Plakes and Agia Marina.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou
ARCHITECTURE
Agia Marina:
One of the most well-preserved settlements nationwide, the capital, administrative center and commercial center, with mansions with colorful windows and traditional houses, stretches amphitheatrically between two mountain slopes. The aesthetics of the mansions, most of them neoclassical of various types, reveal the affluence of Leros before the war and the elegance of the Lerians. The special, from an architectural point of view, houses that were built during the Italian occupation dominate.
Platanos:
The oldest district and old capital of the island, where many traditional houses and mansions are preserved. The town hall is housed in two neoclassical buildings, and next to it is a genuine traditional cafe, "the Leria Club", one of the few that have survived today.
Local benefactors gave economic, cultural and aesthetic stimulation to the island. Among the well-preserved buildings of Agia Marina and Platanos, many educational institutions and public buildings stand out: The Demogerontia (today's Municipal Library), the Governor's Office (today's City Hall), the Municipal Market of Platanos, the Metropolitan Palace, the Girls' School (1865), the new school (1382), the "Town School" (1886), (today's Archaeological Museum), the Nikolaideo Girls' School (1880), the "Leros Boys' School" (1910) and the Malachio Kindergarten (1910).
Lakki:
A natural harbor with an opening of 400 m. that looks like a large lake, which is why the Italians called it Porto Lago (limnolimano). During the years of Italian rule, it functioned as a naval station, a location for officers and their families, and a gathering place for the most important public services. The innovative architectural rhythm (International Style) that was used in Italy during the 1920s (Italian Rationalism) dominates, a unique architecture in the world, a product of innovative experimentation - syncretism. Italian architects arrived at an imaginative combination of Renaissance, Venetian and Islamic decorative elements. The rational layout in zones and squares, the creatively conceived public buildings, the dwellings of the officers, the abundant eucalyptus trees and the stabilization of the substrate make Lakki a huge architectural achievement.
The most important buildings of Lakki are:
The majestic building of the Naval Administration (the oldest in the city, with the oriental facade is the only one that differs from the International Style), the complex with the Leros hotel (Italian Roma) and cinema, the former Italian Customs (today's Police Station with some unsightly modifications), the Primary School (the most balanced but also indicative of the International Style building, with a circular atrium, a light colonnade on the facade and comfortable courtyards), the Catholic Church of St. Francis (today St. Nicholas - with gentle lines, balanced proportions and elevated cubist belfry), the former Navy (pioneer architectural composition with comfortable spaces around a central atrium,and the renovated Agora complex (perhaps the most original building in Lakki with a circular atrium surmounted by successive concentric circles and a clock tower.
Source: South Aegean Region
www.nad.gr
FOLK CULTURE
The biggest festival takes place on the 15th of August with many pilgrims to Panagia Tou Kastro, vespers where praises are sung and the epitaph of Panagia is paraded, while a feast follows throughout the island.
The main religious festivals are: Panagia of Kastro (15 & 23/8), Saint John of Lerio (28/2), Holy Fourty Martyrs (9/3), Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (25/3), Agios Isidoros ( 14/5), Agios Petros (29/8), Agioi Anargyro Temenia (1/7), Agia Kyriaki (7/7), Agios Kirikos (15/7), Agia Marina (17/7), Agia Paraskevi (26 /7), Agios Panteleimon (27/7), Osias Irini Chrysovalantou (28/7), Sotiros Christos (6/8), Agios Fanourios (27/8), Agios Ioannis Lakkiou, Dexameni (29/8), Panagia Monis (8/9), Timios Stavros (14/9), Agios Ioannou Theologios (26/9), Agia Matronis & Ag. Kiouras (22/10), Agios Nikolaos (6/12).
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou
CULTURAL EVENTS
Summer cultural events (15/7 - 30/8):
Musical and theatrical performances as well as scientific lectures.
In particular:
Feast of the threshing floor: (July) There is a representation of threshing and an exhibition of agricultural products.
Wine Festival:
(August) There is a representation of the pressing of grapes and an exhibition of traditional products. Drymons Festival - Traditional Cuisine: (August) Buffet of traditional appetizers and desserts with the participation of the association of cafe owners, Trat Festival: (September) Trawling is reenacted. The restaurateurs of the island participate. All the above events are followed by a traditional Leric feast with an offer of wine and appetizers.
Days of Remembrance and Democracy:
(September) Events dedicated to those imprisoned - exiled from the period 1967 - 1974.
Throughout the year and especially in the summer months, many events are held by the Municipal Enterprise for Cultural Economic Development and Welfare of Leros (DEPOAP) as well as by the ARTEMIS Cultural Association (dance music), the THOL (theatrical) and the D.P.K Leros (presentations - lectures).
"Alindia" Nautical Games:
They have been
organized since the beginning of the 20th century with the theme of almost all sea sports (rowing, diving, classical swimming, etc.)
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou