Chapter II

The “Holy Soil”

by ypsipyli_admin

Ypsipyli touches Lemnian soil to draw strength and heal the wounds of her body and soul. Between Repanidi, Kotsinas and Varos, the area of the hill called "Despotis" and, in ancient times, "Mosychlos", was called "Ayohoma" or “Holy Soil”. This is where, until the beginning of the 20th century, Lemnian Earth, a thick, reddish clay,Read More »

Maroula of Lemnos

by ypsipyli_admin

Maroula of legend and literature, a symbol of female heroism in the post-Byzantine years, is met by Ypsipyli in Kotsinas and recognizes something of herself in her. Paternal love served as a beacon for both women, who, breaking, as it were, the barrier of time, meet in the sprawl of the castle. In 1478, KotsinaRead More »

The castle of Kostina

by ypsipyli_admin

The former queen of Lemnos is panting as she climbs the path that leads her to what is left of the Kotsina Castle. She gazes at the sea and descends to the "sanctuary" in search of safety. After 1136, the area of Kotsina is mentioned as a safe commercial port that gradually replaced the portRead More »

The church of Saint George in Repanidi

by ypsipyli_admin

A temple can offer comfort - but also shelter. The horseman St. George is met by Ypsipyli on her way to Agiohoma, and he hosts her with affection and understanding in the church with its solemn atmosphere. Saint George of Repanidi is an old cemetery church. It is a three-aisled post-Byzantine basilica, of large dimensionsRead More »

Ntapia Fortress

by ypsipyli_admin

High up, from the observatory of Dapia, Ypsipyli can follow all the troop movements, watch every maneuver of the ships, hope for the liberation of the island. She experiences the anguish of the locals, places her hopes in the Orlovs, but is disappointed once again. On the opposite hill from the Castle stands Dapia, aRead More »

The mosque and the tomb of Nayazi Misri

by ypsipyli_admin

Hidden behind the Ottoman Fountain, Ypsipyli encounters a figure whose spirit dominated the old Ottoman Quarter and cloaked the Turkish Gialos in mystery from then until today. Nayazi Misri, a great poet and important representative of Islamic Sufism 1 , could also be the mirror image of Ypsipyli, since he followed the opposite course ofRead More »

The Ottoman fountain of Myrina

by ypsipyli_admin

The fountains were a familiar gathering spot for women from way back in time. It was dawn and Ypsipyli rested at the Ottoman Fountain of Myrina, located at the entry point of today’s market, to cool off and contemplate. Always with caution, however, for she must not be seen, she knows she is in danger.Read More »

The castle of Myrina – Building-Witnesses

by ypsipyli_admin

The steep rocky peninsula, connected to the mainland only from the east, was the ideal place to build the castle of Myrina. The traces of the cyclopean walls testify to the existence of an ancient acropolis, dating back to the 13th century BC. 144 acres of land extend within the Castle and are enclosed byRead More »

The castle of Myrina – History

by ypsipyli_admin

She frantically headed up the cobbled path. She knew she would find safe shelter there. Breathless from the stress and anxiety to protect herself, she stood for a moment and looked about her. The city stretched out wondrously before her and Ypsipyli felt the place was hers once again. The steep rocky peninsula, connected toRead More »