Loutropoli Thermis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Loutropoli Thermis (Greek: Λουτρόπολη Θερμής) is a municipality located on the central east coast of the island of Lesbos, in the Lesbos Prefecture, Greece. It has a land area of 79.468 km². Its population was 3,809 at the 2001 census. Loutrópolis Thermís (pop. 912) is the seat of the municipality that comprises Thermi, Pigi, Komi, Mistegna and Nees Kydonies. The largest towns are Loutrópolis Thermís, Mistegná (625), Nées Kydoníes (515), and Pigí (502).
[edit] History
The region of Thermi has a history going back five thousand years. The region takes its name from the thermal springs located there for centuries. Archaeological finds indicate that during the antiquity, the Greek goddess Artemis was worshipped as protector of the curative springs.
After archaeological excavations in the past years next to the beach, the layers and traces of five cities built one over the other were revealed, the oldest of which dates back to the middle of the 3rd millennium. The magnificence and the radiance of the religious and therapeutic centre of Thermi is also testified by numerous archaeological finds, including the foundations of buildings and inscriptions. Some of these relics are exhibited at the outdoor archaeological site of Horafa. At the beginning of the 20th century, the region of Thermi was popular for its luxurious hotel, Sarlitza Palace, which was built on the plans of French architects. For about thirty years, it received great recognition, attracting visitors and celebrities from all over the world. Today it is in decline and only the hot baths are operational.
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