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Hydra
HYDRA.(Area
50 km2 , length of coastline 56 km).
Hydra differs from the other islands in the Saronic Gulf on
account of its rocky, barren terrain and its characteristic
architecture
which is perfectly attuned to the austere natural environment.
These endow it with a special charm that together with its
cosmopolitan ambience, high standard of accommodation, luxury
shops, art galleries,
restaurants, night life and opportunities for sea sports have
enhanced it as one of the most popular tourist destinations
in Greece. Excavations have revealed the existence of a Mycenaean
settlement to the west of the present town. The island flourished
during the Byzantine Age, the finds from the area of Episkopi
- at that time its capital- on the west coast attest.
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During the Ottoman period the Hydriotes had secured a system of local
self-government and many privileges, and so managed to create a powerful mercantile
fleet. With the declaration of the War of Independence in 1821 the captains put
their vessels in the service of the Struggle and fought valiantly. Hydra, the
island's capital and port, a unique combination of architecture and landscape,
makes a lasting impression. The stone-built captains' mansions, two- and three-storeys
high with tiled roofs, are built amphitheatrically on the two bare hills overlooking
the harbour. In most of these
residences, restored and renovated inside and out, the authentic
interiors and antique furniture are preserved. Among the most
important mansions are the Tombazis -which houses the annexe
of the School of Fine Arts - the Kountouriotis, the Voudouris,
the Miaoulis, the Voulgaris, the Kriezis - now the Home for
the Elderly- and the Tsamados -the Merchant Marine School. Places
of interest include the old harbour with the battlements and
cannon, the Koimesistis Theotokou Monastery, built to the plans
of Venetian and Genoese architects in the 17th century, and
the churches of Hypapanti and Hagios loannis tou Nistevti with notable
wall-paintings. |
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At the summit of the hill,
with a panoramic view over the town and the harbour,
are the twin monasteries of Hagia Eupraxia and Profitis
Ilias. The Historical Archive-Museum houses a wealth
of material the island's history as well as a significant
library. To the NE of the town is Mandraki, and on a
hilltop a short distance from there is the Hagia Triada
Monastery. At the NE edge of the island is the Zourvas
Monastery, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin,
and to the S is the Monastery of Hagia Matrona. The coasts
of Hydra are rocky and sheer. There is anorganized beach
at Mandraki, which can be reached by sea taxi or on foot
from the town. Other beaches ideal for swimming, at Kaminia,
Vlycho, Molo, Bisti, Limnioniza and Aghios Nikolaos,
can all be reached by sea taxi. Between Hydra and the
coast of the Peloponnese lies the islet of Dokos. Easter
is celebrated on Hydra with special customs. At Kaminia
on Good Friday the Epitaphios procession continues down
to the water's edge, while on Easter Sunday an effigy
of Judas is burnt. In June the 'Miaoulia' is celebrated.
The high spot is a re-enactment of the Hydriote Admiral
Miaoulis setting fire to the flagship of the Ottoman
fleet. Among the island's advantages is the prohibition
of motor vehicles. Several excursions can be made by
donkey. Hydra is renowned for its delicious almond
cakes. |
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Photo's: Kostas Natsidis
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