LESVOS TRAVEL GUIDE

LESVOS (MYTILINI) > ARCHAEOLOGY

ARCHAEOLOGY

Roman Aqueduct

It is a stone construction built during the Roman era (2nd century A.D), which supplied Mytilene with water from the springs of Ayiassos area. Today it is under restoration and the visitor can admire a part of it, the so-called “Kamares” (arches): twelve columns standing still holding seven arches curved in grey marble from a neighbouring quarry. At the top of the construction the water pipe was stabilized. The water came from the lake Megali Limni (Mt Olympus), collecting water from other springs on its 22 km journey. Other parts of the aqueduct have been found at gorges in central Lesvos.

Ancient Theatre

The Ancient Theater is located northwest of Mytilene on the hill of Agia Kyriaki. It came to light during the excavations that were carried out in 1958 and it is considered one of the biggest theatres of antiquity, with a capacity of 15,000 people having perfect acoustics. According to tradition, during a visit to Lesvos the Roman Emperor of Pompey decided to build a similar theatre in Rome.

Castle of Molyvos

The Castle of Molyvos was built in the Byzantine era on the ruins of ancient walls, as a defence against raids made by Franks and Turks. It was completed in 1373 by the Genoese Fransisco Gatelouzo. Later the Ottomans extended the fortifications. It is very well built from red and brown trachyte rock, with strong walls, carrying inscriptions, coats of arms and other marks. The space is divided in several levels. The main gate is made of heavy wood and is covered with metal slabs. The castle stands on the top of a pine-clad hill and is among the best preserved in the Eastern Mediterranean.