It is the 15th largest island in Greece in a row and has a total of 64 communities, with the smaller Vioradis that was one of the largest ones in the old days
By Nicolas Bard
Kythera, also known as Tsirigos under the Venetian name, is an island located in southern Greece, between the Peloponnese and Crete. Geographically belong to the Ionian Islands, while administratively belonging to the Regional Unit of the Islands of the Attica Region. It is the 15th largest island in Greece in a row and has a total of 64 communities, with the smaller Viraci that was one of the largest in the old days.
The name of Kythera has deep roots in its history. Homer mentions it in the Iliad, while the goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is identified with the island and takes the name of Cytheia. But other great writers of antiquity refer to the island under the name Kythira. Among them Herodotus, Dionysus and Xenophon. Isidoros (geographer of the 1st century AD) argued a “subversive” theory, that is, the island was named after Aphrodite, and not the other way around. Indeed, he spoke for the first time about the meaning of the verb “Keep” and his relationship with the goddess and the island. I mean hiding, while those who make love on the island discover the hidden erotic passion. The name of the island is found in the plural and may be related to the existence of Antikythera.
According to mythology, Aphrodite’s birth in Kythera was a decisive event for the subsequent course of the island. In the Theogony of Hesiod we read that Aphrodite was born in the foam of the sea of ​​Kythera, when they fell into the Saturn -cutting organs of the father of Heaven. The waves then seduced the goddess and took her to Paphos, Cyprus, where she was also worshiped as a goddess and patron of the island.
The emergence of the goddess from the sea of ​​Kythera is semantically an attempt by the ancients to interpret the emergence of the island by the sea. This is evidenced by the rich number of paleontological findings, originating from marine life, in extensive areas of Kythera, in Mitata and Vioradis.
Kythera is located south of Elafonissos, at the point where the Ionian, the Aegean and the Cretan Sea meet. It is an elongated island, 29 kilometers long and 18 kilometers wide, while the length of the coastlines reaches about 90 kilometers. At the northernmost tip of the island is the lighthouse of Moudari, which was built in 1857 by the English, while in the port of Kapsali, in the southern part of the island, there is another lighthouse, which was built in 1853.
Kythera is generally a mountainous island, with two main mountain ranges: one to the east and one west. Among these mountain ranges is a smooth plateau. The highest peaks of the island are the mountain of Digenis (474 ​​m), Vigla (476 m) and Mermigaris (506 m). Among these mountain tumors are created many and deep canyons. Rides with a lot of water are near Mylopotamos, Karava and Mitata, while other areas are based on water supply to wells. In Mylohoio, which is the most fertile part of the island, there are waterfalls, the water of which is used to move watermills.
The island is full of side to side with numerous and scattered historical monuments (Byzantine, Venetian and English) and sights, worth visiting there. From the beautiful country with the picturesque, white houses, narrow cobbled streets and the imposing castle, to Kapsali, Paleochora – the ruined Byzantine capital of the island – the traditional Mylopotamos with the Fonissa waterfall and Avlemonas with Avlemonas of the visitor in unsuspecting time. Also, on the island you will see historical monasteries, such as Panagia Myrtidiotissa, medieval villages (such as Aroniadika) and many bridges, such as the one in Katouni, built by the English back in 1829.
But apart from the monuments, the island of Aphrodite is adorned with many beautiful beaches, which you will fall in love with at first glance! Diakofti, Paleopolis, Kaladi, the Ocheles, the Friday Ammos, the Melidoni, the Kapsali, the Agia Pelagia, the Furnaces, the Copper, the Kobonada and the Platia Ammos are some of them. Some of them have easy access and some more difficult, but all of them are unique with crystal clear waters.
Another thing you will notice in Kythera is the famous flower Sebreviva, the so -called and blossom of eternity, which symbolizes everlasting love. This flower grows in Kythera, Amorgos and in some mountainous areas of Epirus. The Venetians gave this name (from the words “Sempre” and “Vivere ‘) to the small, amaranth flower, which looks dried, and maintains its color for many years, without water!
The legend says that when Paris stole the beautiful Helen from Sparta, on their journey to Troy they stopped in Kythera to give honors to the goddess Aphrodite who protected them. There they stayed a few days there and completed their love. But because Nice Helen was jealous of Aphrodite, she asked Paris to tell her that she is the most beautiful woman. He in turn showed her the yellow flower that sprouted on the slopes of the island and said to her: “Do you see this flower? Your hair has its golden color, your body looks like its stem, and your skin is soft like its petals. Your beauty will be preserved this forever. ” And so the flower was named … This immortal beauty and charm is also Kythera!
Source :Skai
I am Frederick Tuttle, who works in 247 News Agency as an author and mostly cover entertainment news. I have worked in this industry for 10 years and have gained a lot of experience. I am a very hard worker and always strive to get the best out of my work. I am also very passionate about my work and always try to keep up with the latest news and trends.