ANATOLIA Holiday Houses

ABOUT MOLIVOS (MITHYMNA)

Molivos, or otherwise known as Mithymna is located in the northern coastline of Lesvos. Seeing Molyvos for the first time, one is mesmerized by its view. The Venetian castle stands proudly at the top of the village while the stone houses spread out amphitheatrically down to the coastline. Many visitors address Molivos as a small paradise on earth and this is no exaggeration, as every moment is a unique experience for each visitor. 

Throughout Molivos a network of cobblestone roads and narrow pathways meet at the central Agora (market place). The Agora divides into two roads, which are lined with small shops where one can find souvenirs, coffee shops, fruit and vegetable markets, a butcher shop and bakery. One of the best moments to visit the Agora is in the early morning hours during which you can enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the Aegean on one of the coffee shop balconies. The view is breathtaking.

The pebble beach of Molivos is lined with Almyrikia trees providing the most natural shade, and the sea with its bed of sand, is popular for swimming and water sports. The beach stops at a point where rocky boulders line up leading to the little harbor of Molyvos.

The sunset of Molivos is majestic. Visitors stop to take pictures of this magical view. The sun sets slowly behind the harbor, fading away into the sea.

At dusk, the atmosphere is magnetizing and is the time when everyone gathers at the little harbour to walk amongst the colorful fishing boats and yachts and to enjoy the local drink (ouzo) with the most amazing ordeuves at the traditional taverns. Local residents and foreign guests mingle together and the atmosphere is most festive.

HISTORICAL RETROSPECTION:
According to Homer, Lesvos was named the island of King Makara. Makara had five daughters: Mitilini, Arisvi, Eressos, Antissa and Mithymna, after which he named the five largest cities on the island.
The first settlers of the island, as reported in ancient texts, were the Pelasgoi. In 1100 B.C. the arrival of Aioleans to the island, played a decisive role in the cultural growth of the island. The Lesbians inherited the language and the cultural character of the Aioleans while they maintained the manners and customs of their ancestors. According to the excavations that have been done in the last decades, the city of Mithymna has been dated back to 2800 B.C., (Bronze Age). 
In ancient texts it has been reported that the initial cities of Lesvos were six; Mitilini, Mithymna, Pyrra, Antissa, Eressos and Arisbi.

Since the 8th century, Mitilini and Mithymna had the most significant growth on the island.
Mithymna, the second largest city in Lesvos, had become a major military and shipping centre as well as a significant commercial centre which had interconnections with Thrace and with cities of Asian Minor such as Adrameitio and Ace. Of course in ancient texts it is reported that Ace was a colony of Mithymna, something which can be realized by examining the architectural structure of the two cities, as well as the location of Ace which is precisely opposite ancient Mithymna. 

Myhtimna, apart from economic prosperity, witnessed a period of cultural development. The historian Myrsilos and troubadour (musician) Arionas is known from this period.
During the middle Ages, the town of Mithymna was renamed Molyvos, and to this date both names are used. With the arrival of the Genoves in Lesvos, the sovereign leader made headquarters in Molivos and built the castle (1373), and founded the commercial trading center for promoting olive oil and the cultivation of the olive tree.

The spiritual and cultural development of Molivos continues and in 1808, the first school was founded in Molyvos. 
A. Eftaliotis, I. Venezis, M Kepetzis and A. Kanarahos were only a few of the significant personalities of Art and Literature who emerged from Molivos.
In the beginning of the 1960’s, Molivos became a pole of attraction for Greek and foreign artists. The school of Fine Art, which exists even today, has accommodated foreign students from all over Europe during the summer months.