Kalloni

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Kalloni lies precisely in the centre of Lesbos in Greece.

[edit] Description

Kalloni is a beautiful natural spot, since it is surrounded by the gulf waters, and supplied by the rich plain of 100sq. km, through which six rivers flow. There is always enough water from the underground and spring waters for its vineyards and gardens, and surrounded by historic monasteries. Kalloni was always the crossroad where the main roads passed. This has not changed much from ancient times. In the last decade, this large village has developed in the field of trade and is the seat of the municipality that comprises the settlements of Agra, Anemotia, Dafia.

[edit] Festivals

The summer festivals present a special interest. The festival of sardine in Skala Kalloni in July, where the taste of freshly grilled sardines are offered to the visitors with plenty of ouzo accompanied with live Greek traditional music and dance shows. Also, in 16th August a huge fest takes place in the main square of Kalloni in order to honor the ones that immigrated to other countries. The livestock breeding in Agra, the wine festival in Anemotia as well as the panigyri of Saint Trinity on the 7th of July in Kalloni, which includes three days feast and horse races.

[edit] Historical sites

There are significant archaeological sites on the plain. The ancient Lesbians worshiped many of the ancient gods in great sanctuaries, parts of which are preserved today. The temple of Messa was dedicated to Zeus, Dionysus and Ira, constituted a worship and communication centre for all the Lesbians, and at the beginning of the 2nd century B.C. was the seat of the federation of all the cities of Lesbos. During the early Christian period a basilica was erected over the temple, which was succeeded by a mid-Byzantine church. There are many remains, ruins, altars and ancient remnants around the region, signs of worship of the Lesbian people who arrived there as pilgrims to the great sanctuary of Pyrra and of the entire island. Important archaeological sites are also found in Apothika, between Parakila and Agra, where the ancient retaining wall of about six meters height is located, but also in Makara, bearing the name of the first settler of Lesbos during ancient times.

Municipalities and communities of the Lesbos Prefecture
Agia Paraskevi • Agiasos • Atsiki • Eresos-Antissa • Evergetoulas • Gera • Kalloni • Loutropoli Thermis • Mantamados • Mithymna • Moudros • Myrina • Mytilene • Nea Koutali • Petra • Plomari • Polichnitos
Agios Efstratios