CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Mytilene, the capital of Lesvos, is a city where history, culture and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony. Built ampitheatrically around a scenic port, it boasts neoclassical architecture, ancient monuments, and a rich artistic spirit. The city offers a unique blend of tradition and modern elegance. Whether you are exploring its lively streets, visiting historical landmarks, or simply enjoying the sea breeze, Mytilene invites you to experience the true essence of the Aegean.
Saint Therapon of Mytilene
The Church of Saint Therapon is a church in Mytilene, Lesvos, dedicated to Saint Therapon.
The church is of Byzantine style; however, the monument is a blend of modern architectural trends that prevailed in Western Europe. Gothic elements are visible in the church, contributing to its grandeur and giving it a distinctive style that is unique in Greece.
Çarşı Hamam
The Tsarsi Hamam (Turkish: Çarşı Hamam, meaning “market bath”) is an Ottoman bath (hamam) located in Mytilene. Its functional use and architectural design are based on Byzantine models.
Its layout follows the typical three-part sequence from cold to hot, which is found in both Ottoman and Byzantine baths.
Yeni Cami
The Tsarsi Hamam (Turkish: Çarşı Hamam, meaning “market bath”) is an Ottoman bath (hamam) located in Mytilene. Its functional use and architectural design are based on Byzantine models.
Its layout follows the typical three-part sequence from cold to hot, which is found in both Ottoman and Byzantine baths.
Archaeological Museum of Mytilene
The new building of the Archaeological Museum of Mytilene, an example of contemporary museum architecture, is located in the Kioski area, where recent excavations have brought to light the sanctuary of Aphrodite.
The exhibition aims to offer visitors an insight into the way of life on Lesvos from the 2nd century BC to the 3rd century AD. It showcases villas with magnificent mosaic floors, everyday objects, and sculptures that were either of religious significance or symbols of power and wealth.
The exhibition is complemented by explanatory texts, maps, and models that enhance visitors’ understanding of the displays.
Municipal Art Gallery of Mytilene
The Municipal Art Gallery is housed in an old Ottoman mansion, one of the few remaining in the city of Mytilene. It once belonged to the last descendant of the Koulaksides family, Halim Bey.
Over time, the Municipal Art Gallery has remained a true gem, filled with important works by Greek as well as internationally renowned painters.
Mytilene Castle
In the northern part of the city, nestled between a lush pine forest and the sea, rise the remnants of Mytilene Castle. It is preserved in fairly good condition and is considered one of the largest castles in the Mediterranean region. Its construction and fortification took place over various historical periods. It is believed to have been built during the Byzantine era, in the time of Emperor Justinian.
Within the castle stood a palace known as the “Queen’s Tower.” Also preserved on the castle grounds is a Roman or Byzantine cistern made of waterproof material. On the gates and in various other parts of the castle, one can see the coats of arms of the Palaiologos dynasty and the Gattilusi family. Beneath the castle are long underground galleries where women and children would take refuge during times of war.
The walls of the castle remain in good condition and are fine examples of exceptional defensive architecture.
Ancient Theatre of Mytilene
It is located on an elevated site, within a small pine forest, a short distance to the west of the uphill road that passes through the Synoikismos district and leads to the Church of Saint Kyriaki.
Dimitrios Evangelidis conducted the first excavation in 1928. At that time, he stated that the Ancient Theatre of Mytilene was one of the largest in Greece, comparable to that of Epidaurus, and could accommodate approximately 15,000 spectators. In 1958, he resumed his research, focusing mainly on the orchestra and stage areas. Its acoustics were -and still are- remarkable. The Ancient Theatre of Mytilene is a designated archaeological site.
Tériade Museum
The Stratis Eleftheriades – Tériade Museum–Library opened its doors to the public in August 1979. It houses, preserves, and presents the complete body of work of this inspired and unique individual and artist.
Stratis Eleftheriades, known as Tériade, was a man who deeply understood the significance of modern art and stood by young artists, supporting and encouraging their creative expression.
Museum of Theophilos
The Theophilos Museum was built in 1964 in Vareia, a suburb of Mytilene, where the folk painter Theophilos Hatzimichail was born and spent his childhood. The museum was founded at the expense of Stratis Eleftheriades (TERIADE), a renowned art publisher from Mytilene based in Paris.
In 1965, TERIADE donated the museum to the Municipality of Mytilene, along with 86 paintings by Theophilos from his private collection, and since then it has operated as a Municipal Museum.