Spetses Page 4

History

In Ancient Times Spetses was called Pityoussa or Pine Tree Island. Inhabited as early as 2500 BC its ancient city was at Kastelli a short distance from the modern harbor although little remains and less is know about it. Today Kastelli is home to several notable churches.

spetses greek island More recently Spetses, like Hydra, arose as a naval power and contributed greatly in the War of Independence under its female Admiral Laskarina Bouboulina who has become a legendary heroine to the Greek people. She was personally responsible for a number of Greek battle victories. Greeks say she was so ugly she could only keep a lover at gunpoint, yet she had six chldren. She was also reputed to be able to drink any man under the table. Her house (The Bouboulina Museum) is available for public view just beyond the harbor. You can see her weapons and headscarf, a model of her ship the Agamemnon and her portrait.

Spetses' Museum is in The Chatzi-Yanni Mexis mansion a short distance from the docks. It houses exhibits which include heirlooms of the revolution and folklore material relevant to the past and present. This museum has a box holding Bouboulina's bones.

The bay of Aghio Anargyroi is home to the Bekri Cave, a haven for freedom fighters during the revolution. The scenic bays of Xokeriza and Aghia Marina are of note also. Ship owner Niarchos owns the island of Spetsopoula and has made it a nature preserve.

John Fowles' The Magus is set here. The novel describes Spetses in luscious terms that often bring visitors to the island.

Hints from Harry

Be sure to try the delicious figs if you are on Spetses in August and September when they ripen. In September, catch the festival and battle reactment in the harbor commemorating the Spetsiots victory over the Turks in 1822.

Look for the blooming orchids if you are there in the spring.

If you are interested in traditional caique construction, the shipbuilders of Spetses still do it the old way, and you may be able to see caiques in various stages of completion around the old harbor.

The Complete Details

Helpful Information
Transportation Facts	Ferry Boats and Hydrofoils come and go often and regularly winter and summer. About 6 and 22 Eu respectively. No private cars allowed: use buses, horses, motorbikes, and water taxis to move about the island. Connect from Spetses to Hydra, Poros, Aegina, Kosta and Piraeus.
Island Resources	Tel. code: 2298 Port Authority: tel: 72245 Tourist police: 029 807 3100

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