view of volcano's crater
About Nissyros
Nissyros with an area of 41,6 square kms and coastine of 28 kms, is situated at the centre of the Dodecanese island complex. It lies between the islands of Kos and Tilos and the promontory of Knidos of Asia Minor. Nisyros has an almost circular shape and thereofore its coastline is not rich in geophysical formations. It is comprised of mountains which have originated from volcanic activity while the huge volcanic caldera, of length 2400 m and width 950 meters, situated at the centre of the island attests to its volcanic past. The visitor will admire from close the impressive craters the largest of which has a diameter of 260 m and a depth of 30m.
mandraki town
Thermal springs are found at many points on Nissiros, themost well known of which are located a short distance from Mandraki. The capital of Nissiros is Mandraki which boasts, whitewashed houses, colourful narrow lanes and the beautiful piazza "Ilikiomeni" (the old woman's piazza) which is shaded by large trees. The town has a small folklore museum with interesting exhibitions. The small mountainous town of Emporios is found 8 kms south east of the capital and just a short distance from it is the monastery of Our Virgin Lady
which is built on a hill 500m high and offers a panoramic view. To the south is Nikia in which is found the remarkable monastery of St. John. The beautiful beach side settlement of Pali is situated some 4kms north east of the capital.
ancient acropolis remains
An important pilgrimage site on the island is Our Lady "Spiliani" (of the Cave). It is perched magnificently of the top of a precepitous rock in which is the cave which legend has it was the keeping place of the miraculous icon of the Virgin.
The paths criss-crossing the landscape of teh island lead the hiker to idyllic places and are suitable for tourists seeking trekking paths.
Nissyros in history
According to ancient mythology, Poseidon helping Zeus in his battle against the Titans, chased the fearful giant Polybotis over land and seas. When Poseidon reached the island of Kos he broke off a piece of the island with his mighty trident and throwing it at Polybotis he buried him under it. This broken off piece of Kos became the island of Nisyros. The volcano was created over the mouth of Polybotis and the constant rumblings are the sighs of the buried titan! The name of the island possibly derives from pre Hellenic aegean place names. Homer refers to the cooperation of the Nysirian islander in the Trojan expedition. The inhabitants of Nissyros worshipped Delfinios Apollo as well as the sea god Poseidon, a temple to whom was once located where Pali are today. The historical fortunes of Nisyros is common with the fortunes of the
view of mandraki settlement
other islands of the south eastern Aegean. Pirates harboured in the area until the Knights of Rhodes took over the island in 1312. In 1522 the Turks occupied Nissiros and in 1912 the Italians took over and with the end of World War II Nissyros was incorporated to Greece.
Nissyros sites
View of Panaghia spiliani
- Of exceptional interest is the island's volcano which has both scientific importance and a unique natural beauty
- Monastery of Our Lady Spiliani
- Historical & Folklore Museum
- Chapels of Announciation, the Holy Cross, Virgin Lady and St. John the Theologician
- 'Palaiokastro" - the acropolis of the ancient city
- The ancient ruins of Argos
- "Drakospilia"
- Ruins of Early Christian basilicas scattered all over the island
- The traditional settlements of Nikia, Pali and Emborios with their traditional houses, colourful balconies and white washed yards
