Mythymna or Molyvos Lesbos
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 coast with one hand, which is already part of the East where the ancient city of Troy is precisely located. The Molyvos city is one of the most beautiful medieval villages on the island and attracts many visitors during the summer season. Built in the shape of an amphitheater on top of a small mountain, the landmark is undoubtedly the majestic castle on top of the rocky cliff which is considered the second largest on Lesvos. A town made up of narrow alleys that intersect each other with traditional stone and wooden houses that surround the fortress following the coast to the port, Ottoman style fountains, palaces and historic homes with a neoclassical flavor, typical taverns, trendy restaurants, cafes where you can enjoy a moment of rest, ancient churches, museums and shops with lots of ideas for a souvenir but which go outside the box of the usual and classic souvenirs, in Molyvos you will find high class ceramics, jewels and traditional products such as aromatic herbs or oil , in short, also in this case, a town full of history and charm, perfect for a relaxing holiday in Greece.
As for the archaic period, Herodotus relates that Mithymna in the 7th century BC was already a powerful city with contacts throughout the Greek world. He enslaved the Arisba city greatly increasing its territory by giving it full access to the fertile land of the Kalloni Gulf. According to writings of the third century BC it is also said that Methymna founded the Asso city on the opposite Turkish coast. In the classical period, on the other hand, the rivalry with Mythelene ignited so much that it sided with Athens during the revolt of 428 BC which ended with the victory of the Athenians who enslaved the whole island except Mithymna. In the middle of the Hellenistic period it passed under the Ptolemies dominion but in the 2nd century BC it established very close ties with Rome to which it remained faithful until the moment of the arrival of the Byzantines. In 1355 it became a possession of the Genoese Gattelusi family until the arrival of the Ottomans in 1458 who dominated it no later than the Greek revolution in 1912.
The main road of the town leads to a beautiful square where there is a large and ancient plane tree surrounded by stupendous buildings that have been transformed into museums and art galleries such as the interesting municipal art gallery. It is made of pebbles and completely covered with wisteria, a godsend especially in summer when it is very hot. Continuing upwards, you come across museums and art galleries up to the fortress which during the summer is transformed into a place where concerts are organized with famous Greek and international musicians.
The port, as for all coastal towns, is an element of fundamental importance. People come here every morning because crates of fresh fish are unloaded so much so that there is a competition to be able to grab it, or to relax in a quiet cafeteria while waiting to decide how to spend the day. In the small bay there is still an old wooden shipyard where boats are repaired. At lunch or dinner time, you will be spoiled for choice as to which tavern or restaurant to choose to satisfy your appetite and get your legs under the table while contemplating the Aegean.
Do not miss the castle whose origins go as far as Achilles, so much so that it is said that he conquered it during the Trojan War. Its foundation dates back to the Byzantine era on the remains of the ancient fortification where the acropolis of the ancient city was located on the hill. To date, nothing remains of the early Christian fortress, but you can admire the Genoese period ruins with the imposing polygonal walls with gigantic holes. Its entrance is as impressive as the stupendous view over the whole Aegean and its current irregular trapezoidal shape with a side of 70 meters in stone carved in the basaltic fortress is due to the reinforcement works by the Genoese lords. It consists of ten towers with respective bastions, two of which are connected to the citadel in the north east part, as well as five internal buildings and two parapets. There were three access doors, one to the south from the Ottoman period, the second with a vaulted entrance hall not far from the first and the third which constitutes the main entrance dating back to the 16th century with an important wooden door covered in metal. Inside it is on several levels. A large underground water tank that was used to supply drinking water during sieges, a building used as a prison and powder magazine, while to the north two buildings that were most likely the soldiers' quarters.
For a spiritual moment, visit the 18th century AD Agios Panteleimon church, Agia Kyriaki and Taziarches, raised above the ruins of former Byzantine cathedrals surrounded by beautifully manicured and beautiful trees. For a cultural moment instead go to the Municipal Library inside the Town Hall.
And yet the Eftalou thermal springs less than three kilometers from Molyvos. An old communal bath near the beach with an indoor swimming pool from the Ottoman period. In this area the water reaches a temperature of 46 degrees and is rich in radon, a natural ally against many problems related to the central nervous system, osteoarthritis and the osteoarthromuscular system. A wild coast, with rocks and stones all around, perfect for nature lovers, and a stony seabed so if you are sensitive, bring rock shoes. Behind on the right a providential grove for shelter from the sun as the beach is not equipped. A free pampering during your holiday in Lesbos.