Traditional architecture towns in Greece #8: Symi

GrigorisSokratis · November 11th, 2007, 06:49 AM

Located in the southern Dodecanese 510 kms SE from Athens and just 46 kms NW from Rhodes this town located in the homonymous island; on either side of a steep-sided fjord rise tier upon tier of houses, some white, some pastel yellow. There has been virtually no modern concrete construction here and now these fine old houses are being resurrected for visitors. The spirit of the island remains intact.

Symi is divided into distinctive areas - Yialos is the main harbour. Chorio, literally 'village', is the top town. Once in the interior of the island a forested plateau with many spectacular views can be visited by car or bike on the recently refurbished road from Symi town to Panormitis.

In Greek mythology, Symi is reputed to be the birthplace of the Charites and to take its name from the nymph Syme (in antiquity the island was known as Aigli and Metapontis), though Pliny the Elder and some later writers claimed it came from the word scimmia meaning a monkey.[2] In Homer's Iliad the island is mentioned as the domain of King Nireus, who fought in the Trojan War on the side of the Greeks. Thucydides writes that during the Peloponnesian War there was a Battle of Syme near the island in January, 411 BC, in which an unspecified number of Spartan ships defeated a squadron of Athenian vessels.

Throughout the Roman and medieval times Symi lost its former importance becoming a secondary fishers village of the Greek Empire (Byzantine) until 1373 when conquered by the Knights of St. John. That launched what was to be a period of several centuries of prosperity for Symi, as its location amidst the Dodecanese made it an important waypoint for trade until the advent of steam-powered shipping in the 19th century.

The island was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1522 (along with nearby Rhodes) but Greeks were allowed to retain many of their privileges, so its prosperity continued virtually uninterrupted. Symi was noted for its sponges which provided much of its wealth. It attained the height of its prosperity in the mid 19th century, and many of the peculiarly colorful neoclassical mansions covering the slopes near the main city date from that period.[5]. Although Symiots took part in the Greek War of Independence of 1821-1829, it was left out of the new Greek state when its borders were drawn up and so remained under Ottoman rule for another period.

Symi was later occupied by Italy and finally rejoined with Greece in 1948.

Architecture:

The graphic and traditional architecture of past times is revealed in every path of the town. With examples that range from the 14th century to the 19th century Neoclassical architecture.

The two-storey, well-preserved neoclassic buildings of 19th century with the pediments and pebble stone yards, beautiful specimen of folkloric art, prove – apart from financial robustness – the good taste and culture of these people.

The island’s Naval Museum is located in Gialos and exhibits miniatures of ships, implements, naval tools and all the necessities of traditional sponge diving.

From Skala square and following “Kali Strata” with the 500 stairs, you can reach the settlement of Ano Symi. This route might be a little tiring but it will pay you back with unforgettable pictures and unique photos.
Walking in the paths of Ano Symi visitors come across beautiful neoclassic residences of traditional architecture with dome-shaped doors, balconies and fireplaces in the yards, that means outdoor kitchens.
Most of these houses are painted in ochre and are roofed with tiles. Their interior is decorated with carven, since this art has a long tradition in the island.

On the top of the hill where Ano Symi is located you will see the remains of a Venetian Castle and in its entrance, Saint John Knights’ emblem. In its interior the church of Panagia of Kastro with an impressive wooden chancel screen and byzantine icons. From the church’s yard the view towards the town is panoramic.

Worth visiting in Ano Symi is Pontikokastro, a prehistoric barrow and one of the most ancient monuments in the whole island.

Don’t miss visiting the Archaeologic and Folkloric museum in Lieni neighborhood in Ano Symi. It is roofed under a renovated traditional mansion. It hosts exhibits from different periods of time that reveal important parts of the island’s history. You can see: statues’ heads, and sepulchral steles of ancient times, monuments of paleochristianic and metabyzantine period, byzantine and metabyzantine icons. Really remarkable is the folkloric collection of the island.

The Kali Strata opens into Syllogos Square (also a Festival venue), from the back of which a road leads round behind the Castle and to Lemonitsa Church. There are spectacular views over the harbour and this route eventually connects up with the top of the Kataraktis, the original staircase connecting Yialos to Chorio. The Castle was rebuilt by the Knights of St. John in the early 15th century on the site of a much older fortification.

Continuing further along the Kali Strata, the Old Pharmacy is now used as a doctors' surgery. It has been restored and houses an interesting collection of French medicine jars and other paraphanelia. Open to visitors on weekday mornings, during surgery hours. The Museum is further up, in Old Chorio. Follow the signposts. open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 14.00 and contains many interesting artefacts. Chatziagapitos House, a restored 18th century mansion is nearby and is open during museum hours. There are many churches in Chorio, some with interesting pebblework. Churches are usually locked unless there is a name day or other festivity in progress.

On the crest above Yialos there is a row of windmills. From here it is possible to walk to Pontikokastro (aka Mouse Castle). This is a partially excavated stone circle, probably dating back to Neolithic times.

Churches and Monasteries

The town of Symi alone has thirteen major churches and dozens of chapels, some dating back to the Byzantine era.

The church of Constantinos and Eleni on the southern slopes of the Vigla along the Panormitis road has gardens, terraces and a well. There is usually someone there in the summer. The monastery of the Archangel Michael at Roukouniotis was built by the knights of St. John in the 14th century on the ruins of an important 5th century monastery, which in turn was built on the remains of a pre-Christian temple. The monastery of Sotiris Megalos, shortly before the road descends to Panormitis, is very picturesque and has spectacular views. There is a sign-posted walk to an old vinery and the ruins of old wine presses. Monastery of the Archangel Michael at Panormitis, the island's most famous monastery. The original church of St. Michael was built around 450 AD on the site of an ancient temple to Apollo. It contains a splendid icon of the Archangel and two interesting museum sections. Overnight accommodation can be arranged.

There are other churches and monasteries of interest which are best visited as part of an organised excursion or by boat as foot access is difficult, or in the case of Nimos, impossible.

PHOTO GALLERY

image hosted on flickr

image hosted on flickr

Sir, excuse me, I'm looking for Kolokotronis street. Hmph go two blocks down this street, then make a left and you got it. Thank you. Don't mention it.
image hosted on flickr

image hosted on flickr

How about a...Mythos
image hosted on flickr

image hosted on flickr

The perfect end. What an amazing place!!
image hosted on flickr

Next week we'll continue our trip in the opposite corner of the country towards the NW; in Kalarrytes; a beautiful mountain village in Epirus.

arxeos · November 11th, 2007, 08:24 AM

wonderfull pictures

November 11th, 2007, 06:49 AM	#1
GrigorisSokratis Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Athens, New York Posts: 1,331 Likes (Received): 0	Traditional architecture towns in Greece #8: Symi Located in the southern Dodecanese 510 kms SE from Athens and just 46 kms NW from Rhodes this town located in the homonymous island; on either side of a steep-sided fjord rise tier upon tier of houses, some white, some pastel yellow. There has been virtually no modern concrete construction here and now these fine old houses are being resurrected for visitors. The spirit of the island remains intact. Symi is divided into distinctive areas - Yialos is the main harbour. Chorio, literally 'village', is the top town. Once in the interior of the island a forested plateau with many spectacular views can be visited by car or bike on the recently refurbished road from Symi town to Panormitis. In Greek mythology, Symi is reputed to be the birthplace of the Charites and to take its name from the nymph Syme (in antiquity the island was known as Aigli and Metapontis), though Pliny the Elder and some later writers claimed it came from the word scimmia meaning a monkey.[2] In Homer's Iliad the island is mentioned as the domain of King Nireus, who fought in the Trojan War on the side of the Greeks. Thucydides writes that during the Peloponnesian War there was a Battle of Syme near the island in January, 411 BC, in which an unspecified number of Spartan ships defeated a squadron of Athenian vessels. Throughout the Roman and medieval times Symi lost its former importance becoming a secondary fishers village of the Greek Empire (Byzantine) until 1373 when conquered by the Knights of St. John. That launched what was to be a period of several centuries of prosperity for Symi, as its location amidst the Dodecanese made it an important waypoint for trade until the advent of steam-powered shipping in the 19th century. The island was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1522 (along with nearby Rhodes) but Greeks were allowed to retain many of their privileges, so its prosperity continued virtually uninterrupted. Symi was noted for its sponges which provided much of its wealth. It attained the height of its prosperity in the mid 19th century, and many of the peculiarly colorful neoclassical mansions covering the slopes near the main city date from that period.[5]. Although Symiots took part in the Greek War of Independence of 1821-1829, it was left out of the new Greek state when its borders were drawn up and so remained under Ottoman rule for another period. Symi was later occupied by Italy and finally rejoined with Greece in 1948. Architecture: The graphic and traditional architecture of past times is revealed in every path of the town. With examples that range from the 14th century to the 19th century Neoclassical architecture. The two-storey, well-preserved neoclassic buildings of 19th century with the pediments and pebble stone yards, beautiful specimen of folkloric art, prove – apart from financial robustness – the good taste and culture of these people. The island’s Naval Museum is located in Gialos and exhibits miniatures of ships, implements, naval tools and all the necessities of traditional sponge diving. From Skala square and following “Kali Strata” with the 500 stairs, you can reach the settlement of Ano Symi. This route might be a little tiring but it will pay you back with unforgettable pictures and unique photos. Walking in the paths of Ano Symi visitors come across beautiful neoclassic residences of traditional architecture with dome-shaped doors, balconies and fireplaces in the yards, that means outdoor kitchens. Most of these houses are painted in ochre and are roofed with tiles. Their interior is decorated with carven, since this art has a long tradition in the island. On the top of the hill where Ano Symi is located you will see the remains of a Venetian Castle and in its entrance, Saint John Knights’ emblem. In its interior the church of Panagia of Kastro with an impressive wooden chancel screen and byzantine icons. From the church’s yard the view towards the town is panoramic. Worth visiting in Ano Symi is Pontikokastro, a prehistoric barrow and one of the most ancient monuments in the whole island. Don’t miss visiting the Archaeologic and Folkloric museum in Lieni neighborhood in Ano Symi. It is roofed under a renovated traditional mansion. It hosts exhibits from different periods of time that reveal important parts of the island’s history. You can see: statues’ heads, and sepulchral steles of ancient times, monuments of paleochristianic and metabyzantine period, byzantine and metabyzantine icons. Really remarkable is the folkloric collection of the island. The Kali Strata opens into Syllogos Square (also a Festival venue), from the back of which a road leads round behind the Castle and to Lemonitsa Church. There are spectacular views over the harbour and this route eventually connects up with the top of the Kataraktis, the original staircase connecting Yialos to Chorio. The Castle was rebuilt by the Knights of St. John in the early 15th century on the site of a much older fortification. Continuing further along the Kali Strata, the Old Pharmacy is now used as a doctors' surgery. It has been restored and houses an interesting collection of French medicine jars and other paraphanelia. Open to visitors on weekday mornings, during surgery hours. The Museum is further up, in Old Chorio. Follow the signposts. open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 14.00 and contains many interesting artefacts. Chatziagapitos House, a restored 18th century mansion is nearby and is open during museum hours. There are many churches in Chorio, some with interesting pebblework. Churches are usually locked unless there is a name day or other festivity in progress. On the crest above Yialos there is a row of windmills. From here it is possible to walk to Pontikokastro (aka Mouse Castle). This is a partially excavated stone circle, probably dating back to Neolithic times. Churches and Monasteries The town of Symi alone has thirteen major churches and dozens of chapels, some dating back to the Byzantine era. The church of Constantinos and Eleni on the southern slopes of the Vigla along the Panormitis road has gardens, terraces and a well. There is usually someone there in the summer. The monastery of the Archangel Michael at Roukouniotis was built by the knights of St. John in the 14th century on the ruins of an important 5th century monastery, which in turn was built on the remains of a pre-Christian temple. The monastery of Sotiris Megalos, shortly before the road descends to Panormitis, is very picturesque and has spectacular views. There is a sign-posted walk to an old vinery and the ruins of old wine presses. Monastery of the Archangel Michael at Panormitis, the island's most famous monastery. The original church of St. Michael was built around 450 AD on the site of an ancient temple to Apollo. It contains a splendid icon of the Archangel and two interesting museum sections. Overnight accommodation can be arranged. There are other churches and monasteries of interest which are best visited as part of an organised excursion or by boat as foot access is difficult, or in the case of Nimos, impossible. PHOTO GALLERY image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr Sir, excuse me, I'm looking for Kolokotronis street. Hmph go two blocks down this street, then make a left and you got it. Thank you. Don't mention it. image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr How about a...Mythos image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr image hosted on flickr The perfect end. What an amazing place!! image hosted on flickr Next week we'll continue our trip in the opposite corner of the country towards the NW; in Kalarrytes; a beautiful mountain village in Epirus. __________________ Geography guide of Greece Greek Automobiles Industry Please help the victims of the catastrophic arsons in Greece, visiting www.ihelp.gr Plant your roots in Greece. Make your contribution to reforest the destroyed, by catastrophic arsons, Greek mountains and countryside

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November 11th, 2007, 08:24 AM	#2
arxeos Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Stockholm , Serres Posts: 615 Likes (Received): 64	wonderfull pictures