Leipsoi
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Leipsoi (Greek: Λειψοί, also: Lipsi) is an island south of Samos and to the north of Leros in Greece. It is well serviced with ferries passing between Patmos and Leros and on the main route for ferries from Piraeus. There is varied accommodation on the island. Lipsi town is quaint though of little architectural interest - it was probably flattened by an earthquake some years back.Lipsi or Lipsos is a small group of islets at the northern part of the Dodecanese near to Patmos island and Leros. Day trips and cruises are organized to and around the surrounding islets whereas those of the peripatetic type will find various paths to lead them to some truly scenic spots. If you travel from Rhodes island or Kos you can use on daily basis the Catamaran Dodekanissos. Springs:Fountani, alias Pikri Nero, in the area near Koimissi along with other minor springs also flowing in this region. Caves: The Cave of Ontas dominates the settlement. Other interesting geological formations of the kind may be found along the coasts as well as on the islands beyond the bay of the port. Paths:A 960 meter paved path carved into the hill connects the upper quarters of Koimisi with the lower ones. There is also a Fortress to be found on Lipsi, crowning the uppermost spot of the island. There are several small churches and monasteries scattered around the island. So many are They, in fact, that the saying according to which there is one church for each family in Lipsi might just as well be justified.There are many more churches, dedicated to a multitude of saints: one that should not be missed is the church of Aghios Nektarios, built in or about 1980 by father Nikiforos, the parochial priest of Lipsi at the time and a favorite baptistery for the inhabitants of the island. Look for local products, namely thyme honey (produced the traditional way), wine, cheese, dairy products (touloumotyri cheese, the local version of cottage cheese called mizithra) and grapes. Also to be found on the market: loom-woven fabrics, carpets and "fookadia" (cloth pouches used to strain cheese). Day trips and cruises are organized to and around the surrounding islets whereas those of the peripatetic type will find various paths to lead them to some truly scenic spots. If you travel from Rhodes island or Kos you can use on daily basis the Catamaran Dodekanissos.
Churches and monasteries There are several small churches and monasteries scattered around the island. So many are they, in fact, that the saying according to which there is one church for each family in Lipsi might just as well be justified. Let us name a few: Panaghia tou Harou: quite worthy visiting for the typicality of its architectural style (purely islander, Byzantine in perception yet austere and unpretentious). Once specialists decide to study this construction more closely, there will certainly be some very interesting conclusions drawn referent to the time the church was built (some time between the 7th or 8th Century AC.
There is a holy icon of the Virgin in this church, reputed to be of miraculous powers, depicting Mary holding Jesus Crucified. The uniqueness of the concept and the artfulness of the rendition make of this icon one of the brightest moments in hagiography.
Other churches, also worth visiting: Aghios Ioannis Theologos (St. John Evangelist), the building of which was financed by Lipsian immigrants. The church of Koimisis tis Theotokou (Dormition of Mary), dominating the ante-port picturesque little bay bearing the same name. Set in a green, endearing landscape, this construction is certain to enchant visitors who often come to quench their thirst at the spring nearby. Also to be found there: reliquaries containing the remains of monks reduced to martyrdom, slain by the Turks during the dark years of the Ottoman rule. Five of those monks have recently been beatified by decree of the Greek Orthodox Partriarch.
The church of Panaghia (the Virgin) at Kouselio, built on the very foundations of an early christian church. Embedded in the walls of this church - and therefore still to bed seen - are inscription-bearing marbles of that earlier construction that were later used as building material for the new church. Yet another interesting visit is that of the two St. Nicholas churches, raising on the caps on either side of the mouth of the port, along with the churches of Aghios Theologos tou Moschatou (17th century), Aghios Panteleimon (at Katsadia), Profitis Ilias - a church dedicated to Prophet Elijah and naturally built on top of a hill dominating the port, true to the perennial tradition for churches dedicated to this Prophet to be built in elevated locations.
There are many more churches, dedicated to a multitude of saints: one that should not be missed is the church of Aghios Nektarios, built in or about 1980 by father Nikiforos, the parochial priest of Lipsi at the time and a favorite baptistery for the inhabitants of the island.
Citizens' Service Centers
85001 LIPSI , DODEKANISSOS , GREECE Tel.: +30 22470 28970 Fax: +30 22470 28999 PORTO DI LIPSI Tel: +30 22470 – 41133 PORTO DI LEROS Tel: +30 22470 – 22224 PORTO DI PATMOS Tel:+30 22470 – 31231 Airport Leros +30 22470 22777 Olympic Airways Office Leros +30 22470- 22844/24144. Taxi +30 6942409679 Rent Moto +30 6942409679 +30 2247041340 Post Office +30 22470 – 41249 Doctor 24/24 all day +30 6945118613 The Petrol Station Tel: +30 -22470 – 41101
Town Hall
Tel.: +30 22470 41209, 41333 Fax: +30 22470 4132285001 LIPSI , DODEKANISSOS , GREECE
Directorate of Administrative & Economy Services Tel.:+30 22470 41333 Information Office Tel.+30 22470 41011 Tourist Office Tel. +30 22470 41250, Fax: 41011 Library Tel. +30 22470 41410
Most of the secluded and protected bays like Moschato Bay in the north on this island have been spoilt by fish farming. The water in these bays is often very cloudy with fish farm wastage. The less protected beaches are not polluted and easily reached by the road network. Roads have recently been reconstructed using European Union funding.
[edit] External links
- Lipsi Island guide
- Lipsi Island web site
- Virtual Tour of the Island of Lipsi
- Lipsi sailor information
| Municipalities and communities of the Dodecanese Prefecture |
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| Afantou • Archangelos • Astypalaia • Attavyros • Chalki • Dikaio • Ialysos • Irakleides • Kallithea • Kalymnos • Kameiros • Karpathos • Kasos • Kos • Leipsoi • Leros • Lindos • Megisti/Kastelorizo • Nisyros • Patmos • Petaloudes • Rhodes • South Rhodes • Symi • Tilos |
| Agathonisi • Olympos |
