The particular Mithymna town called nowadays Molyvos, we find it to the north of the Lesbos island about sixty kilometers from the capital Mytilene.
It is the closest point to Turkey, so much so that it seems possible to touch the opposite coastwith one hand, which is already part of the East where the ancientcity of Troy is precisely located. The Molyvos city is one of themost beautiful medieval villages on the island and attracts manyvisitors during the summer season. Built in the shape of anamphitheater on top of a small mountain, the landmark is undoubtedlythe majestic castle on top of the rocky cliff which is considered thesecond largest on Lesvos. A town made up of narrow alleys thatintersect each other with traditional stone and wooden houses thatsurround the fortress following the coast to the port, Ottoman stylefountains, palaces and historic homes with a neoclassical flavor,typical taverns, trendy restaurants, cafes where you can enjoy amoment of rest, ancient churches, museums and shops with lots ofideas for a souvenir but which go outside the box of the usual andclassic souvenirs, in Molyvos you will find high class ceramics,jewels and traditional products such as aromatic herbs or oil , inshort, also in this case, a town full of history and charm, perfectfor a relaxing holiday in Greece.
As for the archaic period,Herodotus relates that Mithymna in the 7th century BC was already apowerful city with contacts throughout the Greek world. He enslaved the Arisba city greatly increasing its territory by giving itfull access to the fertile land of the Kalloni Gulf. According towritings of the third century BC it is also said that Methymnafounded the Asso city on the opposite Turkish coast. In theclassical period, on the other hand, the rivalry with Mytheleneignited so much that it sided with Athens during the revolt of 428 BCwhich ended with the victory of the Athenians who enslaved the wholeisland except Mithymna. In the middle of the Hellenistic period itpassed under the Ptolemies dominion but in the 2nd century BCit established very close ties with Rome to which it remainedfaithful until the moment of the arrival of the Byzantines. In 1355it became a possession of the Genoese Gattelusi family until thearrival of the Ottomans in 1458 who dominated it no later than theGreek revolution in 1912.
The main road of the townleads to a beautiful square where there is a large and ancient plane tree surrounded by stupendous buildings that have been transformedinto museums and art galleries such as the interesting municipal artgallery. It is made of pebbles and completely covered with wisteria,a godsend especially in summer when it is very hot. Continuingupwards, you come across museums and art galleries up to the fortresswhich during the summer is transformed into a place where concertsare organized with famous Greek and international musicians.
The port, as for all coastaltowns, is an element of fundamental importance. People come hereevery morning because crates of fresh fish are unloaded so much sothat there is a competition to be able to grab it, or to relax in aquiet cafeteria while waiting to decide how to spend the day. In thesmall bay there is still an old wooden shipyard where boats arerepaired. At lunch or dinner time, you will be spoiled for choice asto which tavern or restaurant to choose to satisfy your appetite andget your legs under the table while contemplating the Aegean.
Do not miss the castlewhose origins go as far as Achilles, so much so that it is said thathe conquered it during the Trojan War. Its foundation dates back tothe Byzantine era on the remains of the ancient fortification wherethe acropolis of the ancient city was located on the hill. To date,nothing remains of the early Christian fortress, but you can admirethe Genoese period ruins with the imposing polygonal wallswith gigantic holes. Its entrance is as impressive as the stupendousview over the whole Aegean and its current irregular trapezoidalshape with a side of 70 meters in stone carved in the basalticfortress is due to the reinforcement works by the Genoese lords. Itconsists of ten towers with respective bastions, two of which areconnected to the citadel in the north east part, as well as fiveinternal buildings and two parapets. There were three access doors,one to the south from the Ottoman period, the second with a vaultedentrance hall not far from the first and the third which constitutesthe main entrance dating back to the 16th century with an importantwooden door covered in metal. Inside it is on several levels. A largeunderground water tank that was used to supply drinking water duringsieges, a building used as a prison and powder magazine, while to thenorth two buildings that were most likely the soldiers' quarters.
For a spiritual moment, visitthe 18th century AD Agios Panteleimon church, Agia Kyriaki andTaziarches, raised above the ruins of former Byzantine cathedralssurrounded by beautifully manicured and beautiful trees. For acultural moment instead go to the Municipal Library inside the TownHall.
And yet the Eftalou thermal springs less than three kilometers from Molyvos. An oldcommunal bath near the beach with an indoor swimming pool from theOttoman period. In this area the water reaches a temperature of 46degrees and is rich in radon, a natural ally against many problemsrelated to the central nervous system, osteoarthritis and theosteoarthromuscular system. A wild coast, with rocks and stones allaround, perfect for nature lovers, and a stony seabed so if you aresensitive, bring rock shoes. Behind on the right a providential grovefor shelter from the sun as the beach is not equipped. A freepampering during your holiday in Lesbos.