Karpathos Island history information • Lefkos, Pigadia, Arkasa, Diafani, Ammoopi, Olympos
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PIGADIA Karpathos |
| A thousand years after the Minoans, around 1000 A.D., the Dorians came here and founded the largest of the four ancient cities of the island in the place where Pigadia is situated today and was called Potidaio or Poseidio.
They might have used the place of the ancient Acropolis and probably they were the ones who built the sanctuary of Athena of Lindos, as they had done the same in the village Lindos in Rhodes. Pigadia - the word means "wells" in Greek Language - took its name from the many wells which existed there and is a newer town with 1700 inhabitants. The Minoan Acropolis was possibly built on the rocky hill. Following an uphill newly-built road and passing through a mountainside full of pine trees one will reach the chapel of Panagia Larniotissa. From this place the visitor will enjoy the magnificent view of the port, the whole town of Pigadia, the bay of Vrontis with the long beach and at the backround the mountain villages. "To the Northwest Aperi, Volada and Othos and to the west Menetes". Descending from the hill of the Acropolis and heading to the port, "Posi", as the local people call it, word which definitely comes from the ancient city "Poseidio" we can see the jetty where the ships moor and gaze at the sea. In the port is the Port Office. A smaller jetty forms a little marine for fish boats sailing boats and crafts. Following either the coastal or the central road there are many cafeterias, bars and restaurants where one can sit and enjoy the fascinating view of the port and the mountainsides around Pigadia. The church of “Evangelistria” is situated in the centre of the town. Exiting the town of Pigadia and following the central road to Aperi to our right lays the long beach of Vrontis and one can see the ancient ruins of St.Fotini and Afoti of the late 5th century A.D. and the beginning of the 6th century: columns, marble and rock carvings and pieces. The period between the First and the Second World War were built two impressive buildings: the building of the Province of Karpathos and Kasos near the centre of the town and the building which accommodates the Port and the Customs Office at the port, remind people of the Italian Occupation in the Dodekanese. It is worth visiting the newly renovated historic square in front of the building of the Province of Karpathos. Moreover, the visitor can attend many cultural events in the newly-built open theatre of the town which is situated near the Italian building of the Province of Karpathos and Kasos and enjoy the magnificent view to the sea. Pigadia consist the centre of tourist life in Karpathos. |