In brief
Symi (or Simi) has the most beautiful harbour in Greece. On either side of a steep-sided fjord rise tier upon tier of houses, some white, some pastel yellow, but virtually all with Neo-Classical pediments - a reminder that 100 years ago this was one of Greece's most prosperous islands. There has been virtually no modern concrete construction here and now these fine old houses are being resurrected for visitors. The spirit of the island remains intact.
Symi (or Simi) has the most beautiful harbour in Greece. On either side of a steep-sided fjord rise tier upon tier of houses, some white, some pastel yellow, but virtually all with Neo-Classical pediments - a reminder that 100 years ago this was one of Greece's most prosperous islands. There has been virtually no modern concrete construction here and now these fine old houses are being resurrected for visitors. The spirit of the island remains intact.
General Information
A lovely, mountainous island, Symi (or Simi) was reputed to be the birthplace of the Three Graces.
While its interior is punctuated with small valleys, its coastline alternates between being steep and rocky or sandy and indented with little coves.
In antiquity it bore the names Aigli and Metapontis. It took its present name from the nymph Syme, who was Poseidon’s wife.
A lovely, mountainous island, Symi (or Simi) was reputed to be the birthplace of the Three Graces.
While its interior is punctuated with small valleys, its coastline alternates between being steep and rocky or sandy and indented with little coves.
In antiquity it bore the names Aigli and Metapontis. It took its present name from the nymph Syme, who was Poseidon’s wife.
After its conquest by the Knights of St. John in 1373, commerce and shipping flourished until steam replaced sail. The stately mansions in the main town date from this period, which reached its peak in the 19th century.
The capital in the north of the island bears the same name and is divided into the upper and lower town, Ano Simi and Kato Poli. The lower town is also called Yialos. The two districts are linked by a lane so steep it has steps. Charming neoclassical houses flank it; some of them painted in warm pastel colours, with balconies and peaked, red tile roofs. Many of them also are embellished with neoclassical features on the doors and windows. Their interiors are decorated with woodcarvings, the locals having been adept at the craft for generations.
The capital in the north of the island bears the same name and is divided into the upper and lower town, Ano Simi and Kato Poli. The lower town is also called Yialos. The two districts are linked by a lane so steep it has steps. Charming neoclassical houses flank it; some of them painted in warm pastel colours, with balconies and peaked, red tile roofs. Many of them also are embellished with neoclassical features on the doors and windows. Their interiors are decorated with woodcarvings, the locals having been adept at the craft for generations.
The highest point in Ano Simi is capped by the usual castle of the Knights of St. John, whose emblem can be seen above the main portal.
The traditional village of Emborios is Simi’s second port. The ancient town of Metapontis was situated close by.
One of the island’s most famous landmarks is the monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis on the southwest coast. Built in the early 18th century, it overlooks the bay bearing its name in a setting combining mountain and sea.
The traditional village of Emborios is Simi’s second port. The ancient town of Metapontis was situated close by.
One of the island’s most famous landmarks is the monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis on the southwest coast. Built in the early 18th century, it overlooks the bay bearing its name in a setting combining mountain and sea.
Sightseeing
The monastery of the archangel Michael (Taxiarchou Michael) is the most important sight on the island. It was originally built in the 6th century, but what you see today is the result of restoration and new buildings from the 18th century. It contains marvellous Byzantine frescoes and an intricately carved iconostasis. Here, there are two museums, a folkloric and a religious, as well as a tavern.
In Ano Symi ("Upper Symi") you can see the old Castle of the Knights and visit the archeological museum.
There are also many churches all over the island, dating back to the Turkish rule.
The monastery of the archangel Michael (Taxiarchou Michael) is the most important sight on the island. It was originally built in the 6th century, but what you see today is the result of restoration and new buildings from the 18th century. It contains marvellous Byzantine frescoes and an intricately carved iconostasis. Here, there are two museums, a folkloric and a religious, as well as a tavern.
In Ano Symi ("Upper Symi") you can see the old Castle of the Knights and visit the archeological museum.
There are also many churches all over the island, dating back to the Turkish rule.
Beaches
There is no lack of wonderful beaches on Simi. You’ll
find good swimming at Yialos, Pedio, Emborios, Marathounda, Nanou as
well as on the nearby islets of Agia Marina and Nimos.
Useful Information
How to get there
By sea from Rhodes
Rhodes port authority: +30 22410 22220,28888
By sea from Rhodes
Rhodes port authority: +30 22410 22220,28888
Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22410 Municipality: 70110
Area Code: +30 22410 Municipality: 70110
Police: 71111
Port Authority: 71205
Health Center: 71290, 71316
Health Center: 71290, 71316
0 comments:
Post a Comment