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Leros

This island of 8,500 inhabitants lies in the Dodecanese, on the southeastern edge of Aegean, near Patmos. It has an area of 53 sq. km. and a coastline 71 km long, due to the vigorous carving action of the sea. Today Leros gives one the impression of being one of the last small paradises left the visitor who is seeking rare and untrammeled natural beauty. A serene beauty, which rests the spirit and the senses together in an environment, full of harmony, so hospitable it feels intimate from the very first moment.

"The goddesses of antiquity, who were distinguished for their beauty, chose illustrious sites to build their palaces. This is also what ARTEMIS did, the goddess of hunting. She chose an extremely beautiful island, lying in the blue waters of the Aegean, with vegetation, a lacy coastline, leeward bays and kind-hearted people and there set up her throne in Leros, a truly divine choice.

The sea sculpted the coastline of Leros with lavish artistry giving it lacy shores sandy beaches, protected harbours and a multitude of little islands all around it. Nature there has been endowed with lush vegetation and a landscape of pleasant alterations. History has played an important role on the island since ancient times. The people who have lived there have shown it respect and built monasteries, churches and mansions in a unique architectural style.

Important defensive works were carried out and military installations built with the idea of turning Leros into an Italian naval base.

A new town was created at Lakki. Many buildings were pulled down in order that new ones could be built in their place, with architecture unique in all of Europe at that time.

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