Αυτή η σελίδα περιέχει μια μικρή εισαγωγή για αυτή την υπέροχη πόλη. Δίνει απλώς στους ανθρώπους, από όλο τον κόσμο, ένα δείγμα του τι μπορούν να δουν & να βιώσουν όταν την επισκέπτονται. Αν ζείτε σε αυτή την πόλη ή έχετε διασυνδέσεις σε αυτή την περιοχή, το NDN θέλει να ενημερώνεται για ενδιαφέρουσες ειδήσεις και γεγονότα που συμβαίνουν εκεί.

Υπάρχει επίσης η δυνατότητα για οργανισμούς και εταιρείες να διαφημίζονται  μέσω του NDN και να «προβάλλονται  διεθνώς» και όχι μόνο σε τοπικό επίπεδο. Ανεξάρτητα από το πως  θέλετε να συμμετάσχετε, επικοινωνήστε απλώς μαζί μας το συντομότερο δυνατό. Εν αναμονή της απάντησής σας!

Kontopouli, Limnos (Lemnos) Island, Greece is a quiet village in the North East of the island, in the middle of an area that is rich in flora and fauna, so popular for ecotourism and bird-watching.

It is famous for being the home of Giannis Ritsos, a well-known poet, who wrote pieces such as ‘Black-black pot’ and his own Exile Diaries.

The village has a very interesting pottery workshop, lovely village square with stone fountain, Agia Anastasia church with its ‘underground holy water’ and the church of Agia Dimitrios the patron saint, which contains artifacts from the ruins of Ifaisteia.

The closest village is Repanidi, which is famous for having the oldest church on the island, Agios Georgios, it is a true gem of ecclesiastical art. It has a wooden carved gilded templon, zenana latticework and vivid icons.   

This area is dominated by the biggest and most impressive piece of water on the island Lake Aliki. It is a coastal salt marsh with sand dunes, which in the summer dries up and leaves salt flats and in the winter, is home to migratory birds, actually having the largest population of flamingos in Europe. It is an area incorporated into the NATURA 2000 network of protected land. There is a man-made inlet to the coast to ensure that when it floods, the excess water goes into the sea and not inland to the local villages.   

Saint (Ag) Alexandros village, which overlooks the lake and coast, was a small community with traditionally built stone houses, church and school, which was totally destroyed by an earthquake. It remained uninhabited for many years until recently, when a few of the buildings have started to be renovated. The island is in pattern of growth and investment and therefore people are returning and others are discovering its potential. 

North and on the coast, is Kaveirio, the site of The Cabeirium, which comprises of two plateaus, guard house, dorian columns and surrounding structures was an area where people would worship Cabeiri, divinities of fruitfulness and fertility. Little is known about the rituals that took place there, but is believed that sacrifices were made, which eventually stopped with the prevalence of Christianity. 

Directly beneath it is the Cave of Philoctetes, which is a part of the mythology of the island, which has many myths and legends. When Odysseus was on route to Troy, he left Philocetetes to die on the island, after being bitten by a snake. He used the medicinal powers in the volcanic soil in the area to survive and found a sea-side rock cave to live in and recoup. Philocetetes was the best weapon maker and archer in the army, so Odysseus put out the word for him to be found, so he could apologise and get him to create and return the weapons he needed. He eventually did and according to myth, it was his arrow that killed Achilles. The cave can be accessed via climbing down steps and either squeezing through a gap in the rocks or via swimming to it from the sea.    

Further down the coast is the archaeological site of Ifestia. It was founded by the Pelasgians and in ancient times was the second largest settlement on the island. It was of major importance from Neolithic times to early Christianity. Excavations in the early 1920’s and 30’s revealed that this settlement had buttress walls, cemetery, baths, large Hellenistic theatre and palace. There were also a lot statues found, were in human, animal and monster form. There is a clear class structure of seating in the theatre, with the upper-classes sitting on polished stone at the front and lower classes being on rough rock at the back. The best seats were warmed, by using hot water, poured into underground chambers. The area fell into decline as the local harbour suffered from soil erosion and the Christian community that settled there in the 2rd and 3^rd century moved to the nearby village of Kotzino to better practice their religion.

The nearby cape of Ekato Kephalon, which means ‘100 heads’ has many rock drawings and ruins of a prehistoric sea fortress of Amazon style, which opens up the view that this region was occupied by Amazonians at some point in its history. Some local men say that they believe this must be true, as the general belief is that women on the island are strong and hard-working, as Amazonian women were?    

Kotsinas is just down the coast and is a peaceful fishing village in the bay of Bournias. It has a picturesque harbour area with bright coloured fishing boats, bobbing up and down in the lovely blue waters. It has sea front restaurants popular for fresh fish dishes and local wine, plus a shallow water beach area. 

Standing on the small hill above the village is a beautiful and bright white and blue church with tiled floor, ornate wooden alter area and frescos, golden chandeliers and large seating area. It has an excellent balcony area which gives views of the bay and village. There are 64 steps that lead down under the church to a well, that people can drink or bless in Holy Water.

Standing large and proud outside the church (and returning to the strong local women theme) is the bronze statue of sword wielding Maroula. Kotsinas once had a castle and legend has it that she led the fight against the Turks in 1478, using her father’s sword, who had been slain.    

The whole island is pulling together to promote itself and show the world what it has to offer, which is a lot. The organisations involved in promoting this amazingly unique Island are; Hoteliers Association of Lemnos, 24 Hours Rooms in Lemnos, Municiplaity of Lemnos and Limnos Touristic. If anyone wants more information, whether they are an industry professional, individual traveller or from a group of tourists, contact them, as they would love to help!

Limnos Island is a jewel in the crown of what are known as The Greek Islands, so if visitors have not visited this one, they cannot say they have seen the best of this part of the world.

Other destinations to be considered on this unique island is Atsiki, Moudros and Myrina.