WELCOME TO MOLIVOS
WELCOME TO THE BEST
LESVOS ISLAND HAS TO OFFER...
[Gr]
Molivos (Mithymna)
Eftalou Beach (Hot Springs)
Molivos (Mithymna or Molyvos) at the
northern tip of Lesvos is arguably the most beautiful village of the island
with its picturesque harbour dominated by the castle and tiers of red-tiled
stone houses
climbing up the slopes away from the blue sea. At night, the flood lit
castle turns the harbour into one of the most
romantic
places on earth, perfect for a special dinner-for-two.
Molivos, the capital of the Province, and the
contiguous villages of Skala Sykamnia, Sykamnia, Lepetymnos, Argenos, Vafios and
rural area of Eftalou comprise the present Municipality of Mithymna.
According to mythology, Mithymna was one of the five daughters of the mythical King
Makara. During the middle ages Mithymna takes on the name Molyvos or Molivos. The writing of
Molyvos with an iota (i) could be considered the proper way to spell the name, if we were
to accept the assumption that the stem of the word is the West European
periphrastic
denomination Mont d' olives (mountain of olives).
The traditional architecture of the town reflects the modus vivendi and social life styles
of the past. In 1965 the competent authorities put a preservation order on the entire
settlement of Molyvos (Mithymna), thus declaring it a protected town.
Mithymna owns an archaeological collection with impressive findings
from the surrounding area, and a library with a collection of over ten thousand volumes
and manuscripts.
In the past, music was the beloved activity of the Mithymnian people. Arion was a
brilliant poet who set music to verses like no other. Zeus, Dionysos and Hercules were
especially worshipped. Virgile mentions that the grapes of Mithymna were unequalled in
their aroma and nectars.
Since 1960, tourist development has played a critical role in the
life and evolution of Molyvos. Every year a significant number of cultural events and
conferences, both national and international, are held in Molyvos. Art exhibitions,
lectures, theatrical performances and folklore events are held in the town.
Apart from the tourist industry, the local inhabitants also work in the fishing, olive
cultivation, cattle-breeding and farming sector.
MOLIVOSnet
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