Sightseeing in Ithaca

Lazareto is a small islet located in the bay of Vathy, the capital of Ithaca. It has a rich history, having served various purposes throughout the centuries. Below is a summary of its key aspects:

Historical Significance:

• Quarantine Station:
  During Venetian rule (which began in 1503 for Ithaca), Lazareto was established as a quarantine station, likely around 1560. Its name comes from the Italian word “lazaro,” meaning “leper,” as such stations were initially used to isolate individuals with contagious diseases. Ships arriving in Vathy were required to anchor at Lazareto and undergo a quarantine period of 40 days before being allowed to dock and disembark. This was common practice in many port cities to prevent the spread of diseases like the plague.

• Prison:
  Under British rule (which began in the early 19th century), a two-story building was constructed on the island in 1817. This building later functioned as a prison until 1912. It even housed prisoners of war during World War I.

• Earthquake Damage:
  The building on Lazareto suffered severe damage during the catastrophic earthquakes of 1953 and was subsequently demolished.

Today:

• Chapel of the Transfiguration of the Savior:
  The only structure that partially survived the earthquakes of 1953 and was later rebuilt in 1956 is the small chapel dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior. Originally constructed in 1668, this chapel still stands today and attracts visitors, especially during its annual celebration on August 5 and 6.

• Popular Wedding Destination:
  In recent years, Lazareto has become a popular destination for romantic weddings due to its picturesque setting and historical significance.

• Uninhabited Islet:
  Today, Lazareto remains uninhabited but continues to be an important landmark in the bay of Vathy, a reminder of Ithaca’s past.

Visiting Lazareto:

• Access:
  As it is a small island in the bay, boat trips from Vathy can typically be arranged to visit Lazareto.

• What to See:
  The main attraction is the chapel of the Transfiguration of the Savior. The island itself is quite small and covered with pine trees, offering a peaceful and picturesque environment.

Essentially, Lazareto is a small yet historically significant islet in Ithaca. It serves as a reminder of the island’s past as a Venetian trading port and its later history under British rule. The chapel stands as testimony to the island’s resilience, having survived the devastating earthquakes of 1953.

(Learn more on Lazareto)

photos (on instagram):

1. Video by _dronerd_, featured on @ithaki_island

The Archaeological Museum of Vathi in Ithaca is a small yet important museum that showcases the island’s rich history, with a primary focus on the southern region. Below is a summary of what you can expect:

Location:

• The museum is situated in Vathi, Ithaca’s capital, just behind the main waterfront and close to the Metropolitan Church.

Collections and Exhibits:

• Focus on Southern Ithaca:
  Primarily houses artifacts unearthed from excavations in southern Ithaca, with a few items from the island’s northern part.

• Chronological Range:
  Exhibits cover an extensive historical timeline, from the Geometric Period to Roman times.

• Main Highlights: Notable items on display include:

  • Over 1,000 intact ceramic vessels.

  • Small artifacts dedicated to the Temple of Apollo at Piso Aetos.

  • A small bronze bust believed to represent Odysseus.

  • Offerings made from gold, bronze, ivory, amber, and precious stones discovered in ancient sanctuaries.

  • A collection of locally crafted Geometric pottery from a regional workshop.

Building and History:

• Modern Construction:
  The museum building was constructed in the 1960s, reflecting the architectural style of that period.

• Previous Use:
  It occupies the building previously serving as the island’s old electricity production station. This power station was donated by G.K. Drakoulis and operated from 1923 to 1967, supplying electricity to Vathi and Perachori.

• Opening:
  The museum officially opened to the public in 1997, presenting a diverse collection of exhibits donated by locals to preserve the island’s cultural heritage.

Visiting the Museum:

• Purpose:
  The museum provides visitors with valuable insights into the daily life, religious practices, and artistic achievements of Ithaca’s inhabitants across various historical periods.

• Complementary Visit:
  It’s worth noting the existence of the Archaeological Collection of Northern Ithaca in Stavros, showcasing artifacts from the northern part of the island. Visiting both museums offers a more comprehensive understanding of Ithaca’s archaeological history.

In essence, the Archaeological Museum of Vathi is a valuable cultural institution dedicated to preserving and promoting Ithaca’s rich past. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in archaeology, history, and the island’s connections to Homeric epics.

If you plan to visit, it is advisable to verify current opening hours and any applicable entrance fees in advance.

(learn more on Archaeological Museum of Ithaca)

The Cave of Loizos is an important archaeological site on Ithaca, located in Polis Bay, near Stavros, in the northern part of the island. It is significant for various reasons, primarily due to its long history of use and the valuable objects discovered there.

Below is an analysis of its key aspects:

• Discovery and Naming:
  The cave was named after Dimitrios Loizos, a local resident who first discovered ancient artifacts inside the cave in 1868 while working on its roof.

• Early Archaeological Interest:
  The discovery attracted the attention of Heinrich Schliemann, the famous archaeologist who discovered Troy. Schliemann visited Ithaca and acquired some of the initial findings from Loizos.

• Long History of Use:
  Archaeological excavations, particularly those conducted by Sylvia Benton from the British School at Athens in the 1930s, revealed that the cave had been used as a place of worship and rituals from around 2500 BCE, continuing through the Mycenaean period and into Roman times.

• Main Archaeological Finds:
  Some of the most significant discoveries from the Cave of Loizos include:

  • Bronze Tripods: These were used for libations (ritual liquid offerings) to the gods and serve as significant indicators of religious practices in the cave.

  • Inscription “ΕΥΧΗΝ ΟΔΥΣΣΕΙ” (“A Prayer to Odysseus”): This fragment is undoubtedly the most significant find, directly connecting the cave to the figure of Odysseus. It suggests the cave was a site where people made prayers or offerings to the Homeric hero.

  • Pottery, Tools, and Other Objects: A variety of other artifacts, including pottery fragments, tools, and figurines, have been discovered, providing insights into the daily life and cultural practices of the people who used the cave.

• Connection to Homeric Ithaca:
  The inscription mentioning Odysseus reinforces the connection between Ithaca and the Homeric epics. It indicates that the island’s inhabitants, even in later periods, maintained a strong belief in the stories of Odysseus and considered him an important figure.

• Current Condition:
  Unfortunately, the cave suffered damage from earthquakes, particularly from the catastrophic earthquakes of 1953, and parts of it are now submerged underwater.

Visiting the Cave of Loizos:

• The cave is located on the western side of Polis Bay, within easy walking distance from the beach. An information board marks the location.

• Many of the artifacts discovered in the Cave of Loizos are now exhibited in the Archaeological Collection of Northern Ithaca in Stavros. Visiting this museum offers an opportunity to see these significant finds and learn more about the history of the cave.

(learn more on The Cave of Loizos)

The Archaeological Collection of Stavros, also referred to as the Archaeological Museum of Stavros, is a small yet significant museum located in northern Ithaca. It houses artifacts discovered in the northern part of the island, offering valuable insights into the area’s history from prehistoric times through the Roman period.

Below is an analysis of its key aspects:

Location:

• The museum is situated on Pilikata Hill, near the village of Stavros. This location is significant because Pilikata itself is an important archaeological site, potentially linked to Homeric Ithaca.

Collections and Exhibits:

• Focus on Northern Ithaca:
  Unlike the Archaeological Museum of Vathi, which emphasizes finds from southern Ithaca, this collection specifically showcases artifacts from the northern region.

• Chronological Range:
  The exhibits span a long historical period, from the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BCE) to the Roman period.

• Main Exhibits: Some of the most notable artifacts on display include:

  • Findings from the Cave of Loizos: These include fragments of bronze tripods used for ritual libations and the important inscription “ΕΥΧΗΝ ΟΔΥΣΣΕΙ” (“A Prayer to Odysseus”), connecting the cave to the Homeric hero.

  • Artifacts from Pilikata: Items including pottery fragments, tools, and various other objects uncovered during excavations at the settlement of Pilikata, possibly the site of Homeric Ithaca.

  • Objects from Other Locations: The collection also includes findings from other northern Ithacan sites, such as Stavros and Treis Lagkades, comprising votive offerings from Classical and Hellenistic tombs and stone tools.

  • Fragment of a Hellenistic Mask: A fragment of a Hellenistic mask (2nd century BCE) inscribed with a reference to Odysseus is another significant exhibit, suggesting that Odysseus was worshiped as a hero or deity on the island.

Building and History:

• Simple Construction:
  The museum is housed in a small, single-room building originally constructed in 1930 and later renovated in 1998.

Visiting the Museum:

• Complementary Visit:
  Visiting both the Archaeological Collection of Stavros and the Archaeological Museum of Vathi provides a more comprehensive understanding of Ithaca’s archaeological history.

• Close Proximity to Pilikata:
  Its location on Pilikata Hill conveniently allows visitors to combine a museum visit with exploration of the archaeological site itself.

(learn more on Archaeological Collection of Stavros)