Nisyros Island (Νίσυρος)

[Thalassa]

Nisyros Island (Νίσυρος)


Introduction

Nisyros is a small island of the Dodecanese famous for its Volcano. The volcanic cone contains one of the most ancient and biggest volcanic craters in the Mediterranean.

Around Nisyros there are the islets of Gyali, where there is a pumice stone excavation pit, and obsidian excavation during ancient years, as well the uninhabited islets of Kantilioussa, Pyrgoussa, Stroggili and Pachia.


Nisyros


Nisyros


Nisyros





History

According to the Mythology, the god Poseidon (helping Zeus combat the Titans) was pursuing the terrible giant Polyvotis on the beachside and in the seas. Arriving in front of the island of Kos he detached with his trident a part of the island, launched it against Polyvotis, and he buried him underneath. The island of Nisyros is created by this fragmentary part of the island of Kos. The volcano was created in the place where the mouth of Polyvotis fell, and the periodical earth vibrations are due to the continuous labored breathing of the buried Titan's chest.

The historical destiny of Nisyros is common with the one of the Southern- Eastern Aegean Sea islands. The 5th and 4th century BC constitute the period of the island's great prosperity. Nisyros is taken by the Persians, is freed by the Athenians, participates to the Athenian alliance, passes to the Macedonian occupation to be finally part of the Roman Empire. After the Roman and Byzantine peace, thanks to which the islands experienced times of prosperity, as they united the West to the East, follow centuries of misery, horror and insecurity that were established by the Arabs. The seas no longer offer security and the people are leaving the beachside. The ancient Nikaia which was abandoned and of which the inhabitants have built a residential complex in a mountainous fortress called Nikeia, constitutes a characteristic example in the island of Nisyros.

After this moment the information is fragmentary. The pirates pillaged the region. The island of Nisyros passes to the Knights of Rhodes in 1312. The Knights marked their presence by building five fortresses in the strategic points of the island. The castle of Mandraki in which is located the monastery of Panaghia Spiliani (Holy Virgin of the Caves) dating back from circa 1600, presents a particular interest. In 1522 the Turks invaded the island of Rhodes which was passed to the preferential regime of the "mactoux" particular form. In 1912 the Italians follow the Turks and by the end of the II World War the island of Nisyros is integrated in Greece along with the other islands of the Dodecanese.



The Volcano of Nisyros

The biggest and most important crater which is called Stefanos, is one of the biggest and best preserved hydrothermal volcanoes in the world. Its form is ellipsoidal; its tallest axe is extended at 330 metres and the smallest 260 metres. Its height is extended at 30 metres and it is estimated that it cannot be older than 3000 -4000 years.

Next to Stefanos there is small Stefanos or Andreas.

Logothetis is the name of the oldest crater in the region, whereas Big Polivotis is the name of the biggest with a diameter 300 by 150 and it is more recent than Stefanos. Another important crater is Alexandros, the crater of which was widened after the earthquake of 1873. The last hydrothermal eruption reported in Nisyros is the one of 1887, which created the crater Small Polyvotis.




Inside the Stefanos Crater


Inside the Stefanos Crater



Rocks

The island of Nisyros is exclusively composed of volcanic rocks of which the large variety in its composition and forms renders the island of Nisyros an open- air geologic museum. Their kind and composition depend on the magma's composition feeding the effect generating these rocks. The initial magma feeding the volcanic effect in Nisyros is called by the petrologists alkaline limestone basalt. The surfacing of the magma in a brief period of time results in the appearance of basaltic laves.


The volcanic rocks of Nisyros



Thermal Springs

The abundant thermal springs constitute another characteristic feature of the island of Nisyros. In several points along the island’s beachside hot water is welling out with a variation from 30 to 60 degrees. It’s about a combination of sea and rain water containing geothermal liquids of the superior thermal horizon; these kind of water combinations, which are hot and lighter, reach near the surface following the big breaches and clefts of the region.

The most famous springs are the following: the one of Loutra at 1500 metres in the north part of Mandraki and the one of Thermiani, next to the chapel of Thermiani, in the northern border of the Palloi village. Both of them belong to the "salty thermal springs containing sulphurated hydrogen".

The source of Thermiani is known since the ancient years. The inscription found in the ruins of the big arcade of the Roman Baths, operating in the area, "Happy shall be the man who shall be cured in this way as soon as he passes by the olive-gate of the baths of Ippocrates which wash out harmful diseases", enforces the opinion that the father of medicine, Ippocrates, had chosen this spring in the island of Nisyros as a therapeutical spring center.

The monk from Florence, Cristoforo Buondelmonti, is probably referring to the same spring as therapeutical baths:

“Ad trionem in pede montis, contigua maris, spelunca consistit, ad quam circumstantes, doloribus oppressi, accedunt, et, diu morati, in patriam incolumes reventuntur”, meaning: “in the nearby coast, at the edge of the mountain, there is a cave visited by all those suffering from pains in order to be healed and after spending there some period of time they leave having regained their health”.

The last period of operation of a therapeutical center in the area, of the famous “Pantelidis’ Baths" in the Palloi village, begins in 1895 going up to the beginning of the ‘30s. Today the old baths have been restored but they cannot be opened yet. The temperature of the spring gets as far as to 33 degrees but it’s expected to have an increase of 8-10 degrees if the water is pumped.

The waters in the thermal spring of Loutra in Mandraki are exploited by the Municipal Baths of Mandraki since 1872. Its therapeutical qualities are famous in cases such as rheumatism, arthropathy, dermal diseases and circulatory troubles. The maximum temperature of the spring is of 46 degrees. A third famous thermal spring is the one in the Avlaki bay. Its waters had been used for spa therapies before the abandonment of the settlement. Today the warm water is spurting in the sea and its maximum temperature is of 59 degrees.



Villages of Nisyros


Mandraki

Apart from being the capital of the island, Mandraki is also the harbor of the island. It is one of the bigger settlements on Nisyros and has many facilities available to visitors, such as hotels and apartments for rent, with regard to accommodation.


Mandraki


Mandraki


Mandraki

There are many attractions located in and around Mandraki, such as the Paleokastro, or Old Fortress, whose ruins are located just 4 kilometers southwest of the village. One can still see sections of the fortified walls and the site has been dated to the 4th century BC. Also located nearby is, an ancient cemetery, dating to the 7th or the 6th century BC. Another fortress is the Spiliani Fortress, which was built by the Ioannite Knights and it provides breathtaking views of the surroundings.


Paleokastro or "Old Fortress in Mandraki

The famous Monastery of Panagia Spiliani is also located in Mandraki, and it is the oldest place of worship on the island. There is a cave located near the monastery which houses the sanctuary as well as the monastery’s central church, Katholikon. Built in 1400 A.D., the monastery’s church is known for the exquisite iconostasis, dated to the 18th century. There is a stunning beach near the village of Mandraki, which is located behind the Spiliani Fortress and consists of black pebbles, which have been formed from volcanic lava. The beach is particularly famous for the unique sounds that the water makes as it glides over these pebbles.


The Monastery of Panagia Spiliani in Mandraki

There are many festivities that are celebrated in the village, with 21st June being the Feast Day of Agios Nikitas of Nisyros, who is the island’s patron saint. Similarly 15th of August is celebrated as the feast day of Panagia Spiliani at the monastery and many people from surrounding islands attend it.

Apart from these attractions, you can visit the Folklore museum, housed in a two story building, and consisting of manuscripts, books, embroidery, icons and many other interesting items.



Pali

A picturesque fishing village, the port-town of Emporeio, where there are mooring facilities. There you will find the Hippocratic Baths, Panagia (Virgin Mary), Thermiane and the "Pacheia Ammos" (Thick Sand) and Lies beaches, which are perfect for swimming and enjoying ouzo and snacks.


Pali Village

Pali is said to have been built on the ruins of an ancient city where remnants connected to Therapeutic Baths and Roman and Early Christian period were found.


Pali Village

In Pali, you will find an excellent beach ideal to have a swim and then enjoying snacks and drinks from the local taverns and bars on the shore. The beautiful cove of Lies is located 5km to the southeast of Pali and from there by walk you will reach Pahia Ammos having wonderful sand dunes. The White Beach named after the color of its sand is between Pali and Mandraki.


The White Beach of Pali




Emporios

A picturesque mountain village, Emporios village is untouched by the tourism craze and has managed to maintain its traditional charm and beauty. Located just 7.5 kilometers, to south east from Mandraki village, Emporios village has been built amphitheatrically amongst lush green hills and features the Castle of Pantoniki, the church of Taxiarches, and the Natural Sauna. From the "balcony of Emporeio", you can enjoy the spectacular view to the Volcano.

The village still has a few traditional houses and there are only about 50 inhabitants here. Mostly farmers and stock breeders, the locals here still live the traditional life. The village consists of a single square, around which all the houses have been built, giving it a rustic look. There is one restaurant in this village, which serves scrumptious traditional Greek dishes.


Emporios Village


Emporios Village

Located near Emporios village is the famous Monastery of Panagia Kyra, which is built at a height of 450 meters. The view from the monastery is incomparable, as you get a panoramic view of the island and especially the remains of the Venetian fortress. Surrounded by olive trees, fig trees, grapevines and many fruit trees, Emporios village is truly beautiful.



Nikia

The mountainous village of Nikia lays to the south of the island about 400m above sea level in the rim of the crater of a semi-dormant volcano. It’s a lovely picturesque area, one of the few crowded settlements in the island. Here you will see Porta (Door), a famous cobblestone square, the Church of the Presentation of Virgin Mary, the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian (holiday held on 26 September) and the Monastery of Virgin Mary, Our Lady (17th century; holiday on 23 August). The Monastery of Aghia Triada with its unique frescos is quite interesting.

Nikia has an elliptic shape and offers amazing views over the caldera and the sea. The cluster of the square white houses with flat tile roofs and brightly colored doors and windows shows an impressive contrast against the black volcanic soil and the greeneries of creepers around.

The famous village square is paved with fine black pebbles (known in the local as hochlakia) that are viewed as a fantastic mosaic. As the village is perched in the crater rim, it’s about half an hour walk from here to the floor of the volcano where one can witness the half-dead volcano grumbling and breathing out sulphur fumes. The Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos having ancient wall paintings and lovely religious icons is nearby to the Nikia village.


Nikia's famous village square paved with fine black pebbles


The Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos



Lakki

The valley of Hephaestus, an actual open-air geological museum, where you can visit Stefanos, Polyvotis and other craters. To explore the area and enjoy this unique phenomenon, you will need special equipment.



Religious Festivals and Celebrations

The worship of the Holy Lady has an eminent significance in Nisyros. The monastery of Panaghia Spiliani (Holy Lady of the Caves), which is visible from almost all over the island, celebrates her memory from the 6th till the 15th of August with an organization of a great feast.

The nine days after the Assumption of the Holy Lady is a custom kept put for 100 years now. The monastery welcomes women from Nisyros (Niameritisses) as well as from other islands, single or married, seeking for the Holy Lady’s help in rough times.

During these days all of them are bond to do 300 daily penances on their knees in front of the Holy Lady’s icon chanting the Epicedium of Megalochari (Holy Lady) as well as other improvised prayers. The whole island is in fasting and preparation. The day of the celebration after the mess and the sanctification of the kollyva (wheat), there is a cortege coming slowly and proudly down the stairs and rotating all around Mandraki ending to the Zissimopouleio Theater above the central square where there is a meal offered to everybody. In the night there is dancing, the “koupa” (cup) of the Holy Lady. The first dancer is holding a cup while she dances. Once you join the dancers you offer money for the monastery and the island.

The feast of Panaghia Kyra in the monastery between Emboreios and Nikeia is also famous. Huge tables are set in the monastery’s yard under semi- circular arches. There is abundant food and drinks whereas musicians play uninterruptedly. Dancing, singing and a big happy feast for the Assumption of Megalochari (Holy Lady).

[christos-greece]

Very nice thread about Nisyros island so far @Thalassa

[EngineerGreece]

So basically Nisyros is a volcano?? Isn't it???

[Thalassa]

Originally Posted by EngineerGreece

So basically Nisyros is a volcano?? Isn't it???

Yes. Probably Santorini looked like Nisyros before it blew up.

Christos, thanks

[ovem]

huh and i think it's an active one! :P