Loutropoli Thermis
Encyclopedia
Loutropoli Thermis is a village and a former municipality
on the island of Lesbos, North Aegean, Greece
. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Lesbos, of which it is a municipal unit. It is located on the central east coast of the island. It has a land area of 79.468 km². Its population was 3,809 at the 2001 census. Loutrópoli Thermís (pop. 912) was the seat of the municipality that comprises Loutrópoli Thermís, Pigi, Komi, Mistegna and Nees Kydonies. The largest towns are Loutrópoli Thermís, Mistegná (625), Nées Kydoníes (515), and Pigí (502).
, the Greek
goddess
Artemis
was worshipped as protector of the curative springs.
After archaeological excavations in the past years next to the beach, the layers and traces of five cities built one over the other were revealed, the oldest of which dates back to the middle of the 3rd millennium.
The magnificence and the radiance of the religious and therapeutic centre of Thermi is also testified by numerous archaeological finds, including the foundations of buildings and inscriptions. Some of these relics are exhibited at the outdoor archaeological site of Horafa. At the beginning of the 20th century, the region of Thermi was popular for its luxurious hotel
, Sarlitza Palace, which was built on the plans of French
architects. For about thirty years, it received great recognition, attracting visitors and celebrities from all over the world. Today it is in decline and only the hot baths are operational.
Communities and Municipalities of Greece
For the new municipalities of Greece see the Kallikratis ProgrammeThe municipalities and communities of Greece are one of several levels of government within the organizational structure of that country. Thirteen regions called peripheries form the largest unit of government beneath the State. ...
on the island of Lesbos, North Aegean, Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Lesbos, of which it is a municipal unit. It is located on the central east coast of the island. It has a land area of 79.468 km². Its population was 3,809 at the 2001 census. Loutrópoli Thermís (pop. 912) was the seat of the municipality that comprises Loutrópoli Thermís, Pigi, Komi, Mistegna and Nees Kydonies. The largest towns are Loutrópoli Thermís, Mistegná (625), Nées Kydoníes (515), and Pigí (502).
History
The region of Thermi has a history going back five thousand years. The region takes its name from the thermal springs located there for centuries. Archaeological finds indicate that during the antiquityClassical antiquity
Classical antiquity is a broad term for a long period of cultural history centered on the Mediterranean Sea, comprising the interlocking civilizations of ancient Greece and ancient Rome, collectively known as the Greco-Roman world...
, the Greek
Greek mythology
Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They were a part of religion in ancient Greece...
goddess
Goddess
A goddess is a female deity. In some cultures goddesses are associated with Earth, motherhood, love, and the household. In other cultures, goddesses also rule over war, death, and destruction as well as healing....
Artemis
Artemis
Artemis was one of the most widely venerated of the Ancient Greek deities. Her Roman equivalent is Diana. Some scholars believe that the name and indeed the goddess herself was originally pre-Greek. Homer refers to her as Artemis Agrotera, Potnia Theron: "Artemis of the wildland, Mistress of Animals"...
was worshipped as protector of the curative springs.
After archaeological excavations in the past years next to the beach, the layers and traces of five cities built one over the other were revealed, the oldest of which dates back to the middle of the 3rd millennium.
The magnificence and the radiance of the religious and therapeutic centre of Thermi is also testified by numerous archaeological finds, including the foundations of buildings and inscriptions. Some of these relics are exhibited at the outdoor archaeological site of Horafa. At the beginning of the 20th century, the region of Thermi was popular for its luxurious hotel
Hotel
A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. The provision of basic accommodation, in times past, consisting only of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand has largely been replaced by rooms with modern facilities, including en-suite bathrooms...
, Sarlitza Palace, which was built on the plans of French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
architects. For about thirty years, it received great recognition, attracting visitors and celebrities from all over the world. Today it is in decline and only the hot baths are operational.