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SYMI

Symi is a member of the Dodecanese group of islands and lies 24 nautical miles to the north east of Rhodes and 255 miles from Piraeus. Its area is 67 square kilometres (26 square miles), with many bays and headlands. Since the island is mountainous and arid, the majority of its inhabitants used to be employed in the sponge industry, shipping, fishing, shepherding and very small scale farming. Nowadays the majority are engaged in tourism, commerce and crafts, such as carpentry and boat - building. Its climate is dry, temperate and healthy, creating suitable conditions for ideal holidays.

The history of the island begins in ancient and mythological times. Its ancient names were Aigli, Metapontis and Cariki. It is postulated that its first inhabitants were the Carians and the Leleges. Symi is mentioned in The Iliad: King Nireus took part in the Trojan war with three ships. Herodotus refers to her as being a member of the Dorian Hexapolis (6 cities). From 480 B.C. Symi belonged to the Athenian League. In the Roman and Byzantine epochs her fortune was closely linked to that of Rhodes.

From 1309 the island entered upon a prosperous period with the development of shipping, commerce, the sponge trade, boat-building and other crafts. This period also saw the beginning of an increase in urban growth, the beauty of which remains intact to this day. The houses began to spread out from the castle area, and at the same time people started to abandon many of their traditional settlements. The majority of the churches were also built during this time. Turkish attacks were repulsed in 1457 and 1485. In 1522, realizing that further resistance was in vain, and attempting to preserve as much as they could, the people offered gifts to the sultan and in return were granted many special privileges. Thus they achieved freedom of religious expression and the use of their own language, with the resulting advances in education and crafts. In addition to these privileges, they won sponge fishing rights throughout all the seas of the Ottoman Empire. They supported the national war of independence and contributed funds to the Greek fleet over a number of years; not to mention financial assistance to Laskarina Bouboulina, Admiral Miaoulis, Themelis and others.

In 1832 Symi unwillingly returned to Turkish control, and people reacted most strongly to this. In 1869 there was an attempt to abrogate the special privileges, while in 1875 and 1885 there were population censuses. In 1908 Symi won her second battle to preserve her privileges, resulting in a victory for the other islands as well. In 1912 Turkish dominion gave way to Italian control, which lasted until September 17th, 1943. From that date the island changed hands several times between the British and the Germans, the British taking Symi for the third time on September 25th 1944, on which day the castle and the surrounding quarter of town were blown up. On May 8th,1945 the German surrender of the Dodecanese was signed on Symi. On April lst,1947 a British Military Administration handed over to a Greek one, and on March 7th, 1948 the Dodecanese were incorporated into the Greek state.

Major Church Festivals

Easter (variable date and not always the same as our Easter) at Panormitis and the main churches of town.
June 24th Aghios Ioannis Stafilla (St. John of the Grapes) near Pedi.
Pentecost (variable, as Easter) at Panormitis.
Aghias Triadas (The Holy Trinity) in Chorio (variable, as Easter).
July 17th Aghia Marina (St. Marina) on the islet.
July 30th Prophitis Elias (The Prophet Elijah).
August 6th Sotiris at Nimborio and Megalos (Big) Sotiris.
August l5th Panaghia Alithini (The Virgin Mary of Truth) on the Pedi road and Panaghia Myrtariotissa (The Virgin Mary of the Myrtles).
August 24th Panaghia Alithini and Panaghia Ypakoi.
November 8th Archangels Michael Panormitis and Roukoniotis.

Sites of Special Interest

ÿ Symi town castle (Castro) in Chorio (the upper town).
ÿ Temple of Poseidon at Panormitis, now the Monastery of the Archangel Michael.
ÿ The Monastery of the Archangel Michael Roukoniotis.
ÿ The Church of the Prophet Elijah.
ÿ The island of Nimos.
ÿ Mouse Castle, near the windmills in Chorio.
ÿ The island of Seskli (ancient Tevtlousai).
ÿ Catacombs (The TwelveCaves) and Roman mosaic at Nimborio.
ÿ Archaeological and folk museum in the upper part of Chorio.
ÿ Nautical museum in Gialos (the harbour area).
ÿ The old pharmacy in Chorio.
ÿ Pedi Bay.
Stone-built Byzantine style wine presses ( l0th to l7th centuries) and Pelasgic ruins and sacrificial stones (c. 1500 B.C..) at various sites.

Services and Facilities

Municipality of Symi: 71302
Doctor's Surgery in Gialos: 71290
Doctor's Surgery in Chorio: 71316
Chemist (Pharmacy): 71888
Dentist: 71272
Police: 71111
Port Police: 71205
Customs: 71249
Post Office: 71315
Every morning except Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Telephone Office (O.T.E.): 71212 As Post Office
Electricity Board (D.E.H.): 71338
Fuel: 72367 Every morning except Sunday from 07.30-14.30
Yachting Services:
A town hall employee is available to assist with mooring, the supply of water and other services. The relevant fees are: dr. 500 for mooring. Yachts in transit may obtain fuel tax-free from the fueling station at the far southern end of the harbour.>
Electrical repair services for yachts: 72012,72013. If you have a yacht problem and need assistance please call or fax: 71857
Ice Factory: Dr. 800 per block. Every day from 08.00-11.00 and from 18.00-19.00. Sunday only in the morning
Nautical Museum: Every day except Monday from 10.00-14.00
Archaeological and Folk Museum: Every day from 10.30-15.30 except Monday
National Bank of Greece-Master Card: As Post Office
Ionian Bank - VISA: As Post Office Exchange Offices: Every day
Gymnasium: Daily gymnastic, aerobic and keep-fit classes at the Actaeon.
Olympic Airways 71689
Taxis: Symi - Chorio Dr. 400, Symi - Pedi Dr. 500
Bus: Gialos-Chorio-Pedi Dr. 200, every hour

Guided Walks

Some people provide guided walks across the island, often including extensive stretches of woodland and panoramic views, not to mention many historic chapels and other sites. For the reasonably fit it is the best way of seeing and learning about the interior. Walks usually go to one of the many bays, with the return by boat; some also link on with a truck. Decent footwear and a supply of water are essential: camera, binoculars and other items as you please. Information and prices from tourist agencies and some boats.