After Conference Activity

 

Sunday, July 9

A Day Trip to Mithymna/Molyvos

(this will include both walking and swimming

– dress and pack accordingly!)

 

Programme

 

10:00 – Pick up – Heliotrope Hotel

 

11:00 – 12:00 – Holy Pilgrimage Church of Taxiarches Mantamados of Lesvos

 

On the island of Lesvos, one can visit the miraculous icon at the Byzantine Monastery of the Taxiarchis (Archangel) Michael in the district of Mantamados. This monastery is situated in the northeast part of Lesvos, 36 km from Mytilini. The history of this monastery and the icon are closely connected to the history of the island of Lesvos.

This is a famous monastery, made of stone. The monastery was most probably abandoned in 1462, the year of the island’s occupation by the Ottoman Turks. In the past, the monastery functioned as a men’s convent and is first mentioned in a 1661 ecclesiastical document. The small church within the monastery originally dates from the 17th century but was replaced by a larger church in the 18th century. The present church (cathedral) was constructed in 1879 and follows a three-aisled basilica architectural type. The monastery is structured para-metrically around this church.

 

Note: A dress code applies to enter the Monastery. We suggest you wear something that is comfortable and shows less skin.

 

12:00 – 14:00 – Castle of Mithymna/Molyvos

The castle sits proudly on the hill overlooking the harbour and protecting the town. The castle of Molyvos is the second largest and most important castle on Lesvos. In its present form, it is largely a work of the Gatelouzian rulers with many later additions and repairs during the Ottoman rule and with modern repairs that are hardly distinguishable as they have been made with the same material and with the same grouting.

Ticket: 3 euros, not included in the trip ticket

 

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14:00 – 17:00 – Petra Village

Petra Village is a beautiful traditional village in the Northwest part of Lesvos Island, with a long sandy beach. Its biggest attraction is the imposing rock – a volcanic neck – of 40 meters located in the center of the settlement. The church of Virgin Mary dominates the cliff top. Built in 1724, it has 114 carved steps that will lead you to the top. Petra has a fully organized beach where you can do water sports and scuba diving. There are restaurants and bars, most of which are right next to the sea. Walking through the settlement you will come across many remarkable neoclassical buildings from the 19th and 20th Century. The Mansion of Vareltzidena with tapestries from the 1800’s is a site you shouldn’t miss. Petra’s new Schengen Gate operating from April till September attracts cruise ships and sailing boats from all over Greece and Turkey and facilitates a day trip to Turkey.

 

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17:00 – 19:00 – Skalla Kallonis Beach

Lesvos is famous for its many bird species. Surrounding Skala Kallonis you will find several salt marches where you can spot flamingos, pelicans, and black storks for example. Birdwatchers from all over the world have visited the island. There we will see the picturesque harbour, long sandy beaches and a beautiful calm bay!