HISTORY OF MYTLIENE

According to Classical Greek mythology, Lesbos was the patron god of the island. Macareus of Rhodes was reputedly the first king whose many daughters bequeathed their names to some of the present larger towns. In Classical myth his sister, Canace, was killed to have him made king.

As an ancient city, lying off the east coast, Mytilene was initially confined to a small island just offshore that later was joined to Lesbos, creating a north and south harbor. The early harbors of Mytilene were linked during ancient times by a channel 700 meters long and 30 meters wide. The Roman writer Longus speaks of white stone bridges linking the two sides. The Greek word εὔριπος eúripos is a commonly-used term when referring to a strait. The strait allowed ancient warships called triremes, with three tiers of rowers or more. The boats that passed were ca. six meters wide plus oars and had depth of two meters.

The areas of the city that were densely populated connected the two bodies of land with marble bridges. They usually followed a curved line. The strait begins at the old market called Apano Skala. It was also close to Metropolis Street and ended at the Southern Harbor. One could argue that the channel transversed what is now called Ermou Street. Over time the strait began to collect silt and earth. There was also human intervention for the protection of the Castle of Mytilene. The strait eventually filled with earth.

If you have come to Lesbos with Ayvalık Lesbos Ferries, you have had a wonderful blue cruise. If you want to mingle with the local life as soon as you go here, one of the stops you should stop by is the Old Bazaar. This is the heart of the whole island with its antique shops, second-hand shops and restaurants. When it comes to Greek culture, it is impossible not to mention ancient theaters. Mytilene Antique Theater, which dates back to the Hellenistic period, is located on an enormous hill covered with pine trees. The town of Molivos, which is shown as one of the most special towns on the island, is a place that should definitely be visited with its charming structure, streets, castle, beach and Greek taverns. Here you can also see the Molivos Castle, which was built on the ruins of the ancient Mithymna Castle from the 13th century. While you are there, you should not neglect to visit the Sigri Castle, built by the Ottomans.

When it comes to Greek culture, it is impossible not to mention ancient theaters. Mytilene Antique Theater, which dates back to the Hellenistic period, is located on an enormous hill covered with pine trees. The town of Molivos, which is shown as one of the most special towns on the island, is a place that should definitely be visited with its charming structure, streets, castle, beach and Greek taverns. Here you can also see the Molivos Castle, which was built on the ruins of the ancient Mithymna Castle from the 13th century. While you are there, you should not neglect to visit the Sigri Castle, built by the Ottomans.

In addition, the Morya Aqueduct, which is only 6 km away from the center of Mytilene and remains from the Roman period, is a wonderful destination for those who want to tour the island completely. Even if you enjoy visiting churches on your holidays, you should definitely see the churches of Agios Athanasios, Agios Therapon and Agioi Theodoroi. In particular, Agioi Theodoroi is one of the most precious temples of the island with its embossed scenes from the Old and New Testaments.