LESVOS ISLAND

Mytilini

Stately Mytilene: Stretching on a semicircular plan on seven hills, Mytilene is an island metropolis with vibrant spiritual and commercial life. Walking in the alleys of the island's capital, to the district named “Sourada”, you will admire traditional architecture on the well-preserved neoclassical buildings of the19th century, reviving scenes from eras past. Cobbled Ermou street, is the commercial centre of the city, while many beautiful mansions and shops are located on the city quay.

Byzantine Castle: The majestic castle, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, dominates the east side of Mytilene, in front of the port. It was built by Byzantine emperor Justinian, on ancient ruins. Today it survives in good condition, it is open to the public and used for cultural events.

Ancient Theatre: It is located on the pine-clad hill of Agia Kyriaki. It is considered to be one of the largest theatres in antiquity, with a capacity of 15,000 spectators and excellent acoustics. 

Roman Aqueduct: At a close distance to Mytilene, in Morias area, on the verdant hill slope, you can see part of the 170m long impressive arcade of the Roman Aqueduct. One of the most important infrastructure projects in antiquity, the aqueduct was built by Romans for the transfer of water form the springs of mountain Olympos to the city of Mytilene, a distance of approximately 26 km.

Old and New Archaeological Museum: In the old building of Mytilene museum you can see important artefacts (pottery, coins, mosaics, etc.) while the new museum accommodates an exhibition on the everyday habits of the island residents, from the 7th century to the Roman period. 
Old Museum - Address: 7, Arg. Eftalioti Street, Mytilene, New Museum - Address: Ogdois Noembriou Street, Mytilene. 

Theophilos Museum: Self-taught painter, Theophilos Hatzimihail, is the main representative of 20th century Greek folk art painting. The museum, founded by famous art critic Stratis Eleftheriadis, includes 86 of his paintings. 
Address: Vareia, Mytilene

Eleftheriadis (Tériade) Modern Art Museum - Library: A true gem-museum, it includes an excellent exhibition of the so-called “Great Books”, original works of art, numbered and signed by each one of the artists, with whom famous art critic Stratis Eleftheriadis worked with. In the museum halls, you will also see works by famous foreign and Greek artists, medieval manuscript copies and paintings by Greek artists such as Theophilos, Tsarouchis, Kanellis, Rorris and others. 
Address: Vareia, Mytilene. Tel: +30 22510 23372

Municipal Art Gallery: The Municipal Art Gallery is housed in Halim Bey's old three-storey mansion, in the area of Epano Skala. It has one of the most important collection of works, signed by artists such as Tsarouchis, Gounaropoulos, Protopatsis, Picasso, Moralis, Fassianos, Botsoglou, etc. 
Tel.: +30 22510 48002

Molyvos - Petra

This is the place for archeological excavations, medieval memories and golden glints on the blue Aegean Sea.
Welcome to enchanting Molyvos, one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Its traditional settlement, organized social life and hospitable residents will win your heart from the very first.

The city of Mithymna – today’s Molyvos – is located on the northwestern tip of the island. Archeological finds show that this village has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and was a very important city in antiquity.

Its architectural appearance is living proof of its eventful and tumultuous history. The city-state, which was embedded in the cliff-face and dominated by the medieval fortress, reached to the sea.
Today’s settlement extends around and beneath the medieval fortress.

All the houses are constructed of stone or wood, and densely situated amid a network of kalderimia. The overall picture of the village, with its courtyards and balconies, is not only uniquely beautiful but also a most interesting example of town planning, well-deserving of its protected status.
Many mansions in Molyvos date from the late 18th century. One of these is the Giannakos Mansion, which is decorated with ornate murals.

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On the northwest side of the island you’ll find Petra, Skoutaro, Lafiona, and the settlements of Petri and Anaxos, traditional villages with stone houses, running waters and lush vegetation.

The birthplace of many notables in the arts and letters, such as Thrasyvoulos Stavrou, Neoklis Kazazis, Takis Eleftheriadis, Orestis Kanellis, et al, it’s well known today for its active Cultural Center and its library housed in the neoclassical stone building of the former Girls’ Academy. 

Petra has a marvelous sandy beach with hotels, rooms, colorful tavernas, trendy bars, and restaurants. It’s a lively place, day and night, and perfect for family holidays. Organized beaches in scenic bays provide umbrellas and lounges, beach-side service and water sports. Beautiful stone mansions with gardens filled with jasmine, palm trees and fruit trees give the village a particular elegance.
 
Petra is especially popular with painters, writers and poets, and its old landed gentry add a note of nobility. This was the birthplace of painter Orestes Kanellis. The family of the naïf painter Niki Eleftheriadi owns an excellent private collection of Çanakkale pottery – but it is not yet open to the public. The market district of Petra is very picturesque with little shops perfect for browsing and souvenir hunting.