PSARA

Writing about this island I cannot help remembering the well known poem in its honour by D.SOLOMOS which so vividly describes the importance in history of this heroic and independent island.

STON PSARON TIN OLOMAYRI RACHI
PERPATONTAS I DOXA MONACHI
MELETA TA LAMBRA PALIKARIA
KAI STIN KOMI STEFANI FORI
KAMOMENO APO LIGA CHORTARIA
POUCHAN MINI STIN ERIMI GI.

Nor can I erase from memory the famous painting by Delacroix, showing Freedom carrying the bloodstained flag, a painting which was inspired by the sacrifice of the heroic people of Psara who lived free and preferred to die as they valued their freedom and independence more than their lives.

This complex of small islands is situated about 20 nautical miles N.W. of Chios and is 45 square kilometers in area. There are about 500 inhabitants today. Psara, the biggest, and Antipsara are inhabited, whereas Kato Nisi, Dascalio, and St Nicholas are not.

There is only one village, spread around the island ' port, and some houses in Antipsara. The village is built on the ruins of the old city near the hill of Mavri Rachi (Paleokastron).There are no trees on this island, only bushes and mainly thyme which is responsible for the very good quality of honey that is produced here. On the island of Antipsara there are many wild rabbits.The islands have many small bays which are natural refuges for fishermen and swimmers from any kind of winds.

HOW TO GET THERE

By ferryboat: All the year round from the island of Chios, total time 4 hours. Chios can be reached either by ferryboat or by plane. During summertime by ferry from Pireus -- distance 123 nautical miles and from Mytilini and Volos.

HISTORY

The island was originally inhabited during the Mycenaean times as finds from tombs, pottery and coins suggest a date about the 15th century BC. The island is also mentioned by Omiros (Homer), the great poet, by Demosthenes and by Stravon.

After the fall of Constantinople the inhabitants deserted it but during the 16th and 17th centuries AD some families from Thessaly and Evoia who wanted wanted to flee from Turkish oppression inhabited the island and developed shipping, shipbuilding and commerce. They consequently acquired a maritime fleet so strong that it enabled the island to remain free and independent with its own government and parliament. The Psara fleet took part in the Russian -Turkish war against the Turks.

In 1821 during the struggle for Greek freedom and independence the Psara fleet, together with fleets from Ydra and Spetsai assisted greatly in the fight for the freedom of our country. In 1824 however the Turks attacked the island with a large force, overpowered the defendants and massacred the inhabitants. Very few managed to escape death. This island, the birthplace of heroes, of Kanaris, of Papanicolis and others, was finally reunited with the motherland after the end of the First World War.

WHAT TO SEE

Palaeokastro

The house of Kanaris

The Monastery of Prophet Elias where old and rare ecclessiastical books are kept printed in Venice and in Moscow.

Mycenean tombs of the 13th century BC.

WHAT TO DO

Swim on the small sandy beaches, go fishing, walk, relax, meditate.The landscape is ideal. Do not forget to taste the honey and the cheese that is produced here. In short be happy and peaceful.

WHERE TO STAY

There is one hotel ,one pension and also a number of rented rooms. But please book before you go, although "for the good there is always space."

By Lelia Mitsides
Copyright: Hellenic Electronic Center

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