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Evia

 

CULTURE

The island of Evia that is the second largest in Greece, after Crete. Long and narrow, it stretches over the Aegean Sea, very close alongside the shores of Mainland Greece, separated from it by the Gulf of Euboea and the famous Evripos Straits.

Excavations, undertaken in 1891, reveal many monuments and statues. Interesting objects for the visitor to see are the ancient baths, the remains of the Temple of Dafniforos Apollo, the Palaestra with its fine mosaic and the ancient theatre, which was a main reason for the city being a subterranean passage for use by the actors. The archaeological museum in the town contains notable exhibits such as the headless statue of the goddess Athena, the relief of Dionysus, the abduction of Antiope by Theseus and others.

The Byzantine basilica of Agia Paraskevi, located within the compound of the mediaeval fortress, contains coats of arms and inscriptions of the 14th century.
A main highway and ferry-boats from several terminals form the links with this island space which is a center of attraction for those seeking natural beauty and scenic variety.

There are large fertile valleys and wooded mountainsides where mountain climbers can enjoy themselves as much as those opting, instead, for the attractions of the sea shores with their excellent sandy beaches, organized bathing facilities and charming secluded coves.

Modern life thrives alongside splendidly preserved tradition. There are picturesque country fairs where genuine local customs survive.

Halkida, the island's capital, is accessible from a fork on the main Athens - Lamia highway. A swing bridge carries traffic across the narrow Evripos Straits with their tidal currents.

Nearby are the Byzantine churches of Metamorphosis and Kimissis Theotokou. At Vlihos there is a Macedonian grave. Ano Vathia is a quaint village with its Byzantine Church of Zoodochos Pighi and the monastery of Agios Nikolaos.

In the same district stands the church of Agios Nikolaos which contains well preserved Byzantine frescoes. At Aliveri there is a major electric power station.
The modern town has several hotels and the city is famous for its fish specialties Restaurants. Halkida is the ideal starting point for an exploration of the whole island.

South-ward the road leads to Eretria which, in ancient times, was the second most important city on the island, after Halkida. Continuing South along the coastal road, on the shores of the Gulf of Evia, one comes upon the township of Amarinthos which has a fine beach, tranquil surroundings and plenty of attractive fish specialties to offer. The road from Halkida to Eretria passes by the fine Malakonta beach which has ample facilities for tourists and passes through the village of Vassiliko which possesses distinctive local colour and a Venetian tower. Close by are the seaside settlements of Lefkanti and Kambos. Following along the foothills of Mt. Skliro, the road leads into the town of Aliveri with its spreading plain, its old tower and church of Agios Loukas are worth a visit.

The ancestral homes of several renowned seafarers still stand in the town of Halkida. In the museum there are finds dating back to prehistoric, archaic, classic and Hellenistic times.

Edipsos has to be one of the most amazing resorts in the world when it comes to healing mineral baths. There are more than eighty individual springs with waters ranging from 28 to 86 degrees centigrade, which can be quite hot. These springs are said to be effective in curing problems such as rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritis, degenerative arthritis, spondylo-arthritis, myalgia, neuralgia, lumbago, neuritis, backaches, tendonitis, vessel diseases, diseases of the endocrine cycle and post traumatic inflammation. A number of gynecological complaints can be remedied such as salpingitis, endometritis infertility, and ovarian deficiency. They also say it can cure men's potency problems.

The Greek national Tourism Organization has built brand new spa facilities for state-of-the-art hydrotherapy, with 84 individual baths equipped for hydro massage, an indoor pool for kinesitherapy and special bathing and shower installations for treatment of the limbs, slipped disk and cervical spine syndrome.


 

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