GATOS Restaurant
of Molivos, on the Greek island of Lesvos
About Molivos (Mithymna)
Molivos (or Mithymna) at
the northern tip of Lesvos is arguably the most beautiful village
of the island with its picturesque harbour dominated by the castle
and tiers of red-tiled stone houses climbing up the slopes away
from the blue sea. At night, the flood lit castle turns the
harbour into one of the most romantic places on earth, perfect for
a special dinner-for-two. Molivos, the capital of the Province,
and the contiguous villages of Skala Sykamnia, Sykamnia,
Lepetymnos, Argenos, Vafios and rural area of Eftalou comprise the
present Municipality of Mithymna.
According to mythology,
Mithymna was one of the five daughters of the mythical King
Makara. During the middle ages Mithymna takes on the name Molyvos
or Molivos. The writing of Molyvos with an iota (i) could be
considered the proper way to spell the name, if we were to accept
the assumption that the stem of the word is the West European
periphrastic denomination Mont d' olives (mountain of olives). The
traditional architecture of the town reflects the modus vivendi
and social life styles of the past. In 1965 the competent
authorities put a preservation order on the entire settlement of
Molyvos (Mithymna), thus declaring it a protected town.
Mithymna owns an
archaeological collection with impressive findings from the
surrounding area, and a library with a collection of over ten
thousand volumes and manuscripts.
In the past, music was the
beloved activity of the Mithymnian people. Arion was a brilliant
poet who set music to verses like no other. Zeus, Dionysos and
Hercules were especially worshipped. Virgile mentions that the
grapes of Mithymna were unequalled in their aroma and nectars.
Since 1960, tourist
development has played a critical role in the life and evolution
of Molyvos. Every year a significant number of cultural events and
conferences, both national and international, are held in Molyvos.
Art exhibitions, lectures, theatrical performances and folklore
events are held in the town. Apart from the tourist industry, the
local inhabitants also work in the fishing, olive cultivation,
cattle-breeding and farming sector.
A carefree, cheerful life. A
cool breeze blows by the blue sea in the morning. Serenity in the
late afternoon. The golden sunrise. Fishing boats and nets at the
stone port. Merry-making at night, in the starlit town. Pegeantry
during the festive nights under the illuminated castle. He who
drinks the water, forgets it not and returns.
Detailed information about
Molivos you will find in: www.molivos.net
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