Pothia The Capital Kalymnos
Pothia is the capital of Kalymnos as well as the main port and we find it in the southern part of the island. It has an amphitheater shape that develops around the bay right on the slopes of two hills at the ends of the inlet while behind it is a green valley.
A traditional town that exactly reflects the architecture of the Dodecanese with brightly colored houses, colored doors all close together, separated by narrow alleys that intersect becoming a labyrinth. At the same time we can say that Pothia still manages to have a charm linked to the past but at the same time it is modern and offers all the comforts one needs. It hosts about 10,000 permanent inhabitants and is very lively and active all year round.
After a succession of different domains that can be found in the archaeological finds and in the architecture, the town was definitively born in 1850, later becoming its capital. Previously Chora was the main urban agglomeration, but at the end of the pirate raids the inhabitants decided to leave the fortress and settle towards the sea. Among the streets of Pothia you can witness the influences of various peoples especially the Italian one who gave an important sign in history or the neoclassical period which has left a legacy of wonderful palaces especially in the areas of Hevangelistrai, Agios Theologos, Ptithries and Yapapandi.
Pothia is full of taverns where you can eat excellent fish or traditional Greek dishes, delicious ouzeries where you can sit and nibble on simple appetizers accompanied by an excellent glass of ouzo, so much so that the inhabitants of the nearby island of Kos often go on weekends in Kalymnos even just for a lavish lunch.
What to see in Pothia
The main attractions are located within a couple of kilometers of the centre. Let's start with the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ right on the waterfront. A marble temple made by Greek sculptor Giannoulis Halepas decorated with beautiful wall frescoes and icons painted by local artists.
The Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos: we find it in the center of the capital. It collects artifacts from the prehistoric and post-Byzantine eras that tell the story of the island over the millennia. Note the large statue of Aesculapius and the sculpted offerings found in the Temple of Delio Apollo at Korio, as well as bronze and marble sculptures, ceramics, coins, jewelery from the ancient settlement of Damos and Byzantine manuscripts. The strong point of the Museum is the large bronze sculpture of the "Lady of Kalymnos", a woman's body with a tunic and a dressing gown re-emerged from the sea in 1995 when it ended up in a fisherman's net by chance. The museum is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 8.30am to 3pm. For more information you can contact the museum on 22430 23113.
Nautical Museum: a rich collection of fishing equipment and methods as well as fishermen's findings. You can admire the "stumbling stones" the boulders that divers used in the past to stay on the seabed, tools for working sponges and photographs from the 20th century where the uses and customs of island life are immortalized. Also not to be missed is the Sponge Museum where you will find rare specimens of almost incredible size.
Agios Savvas Monastery: just above the hill on the west side of the port it offers one of the most beautiful views of Kalymnos especially at sunset. Agios Savvas is the patron saint of the island and has a typically Byzantine architecture. Superb frescoes and icons inside. Its celebration is on December 5th.
All Saints Agii Pantes Monastery: it too is on the hill above Pothia. In one of its chapels is the tomb of Agios Savvas revered for his therapeutic powers. A beautiful bell tower and a breathtaking view are the main features of this place of worship where the nuns now reside in the old part.
Chora the ancient capital of Kalymnos: it is located about three kilometers from Pothia and we can say that it is a sort of extension of the modern town. We find the ancient settlement in a valley away from the sea which was used by the inhabitants to shelter from pirate attacks. In the area there is the Castle of Chirocherias and the Castle of Choro built by the Knights of St. John. Not far away is the church of the Prophet Elias at 670 meters which dominates the highest peak of the island.
Therma Beach: a must to do if you are going for your vacation to Kalymnos. It is located near the port and we can say that it is a natural spa. Right here under the sea there are thermal springs that make the water warm as well as giving a great physical benefit. A small beach of small stones and rocks where the sea reaches 38 degrees definitely therapeutic for rheumatism. Locals make use of it throughout the year.
Surely there won't be boring, there are so many things to do and see in Pothia, so get organized well and enrich yourself with these wonders.