Walking through the narrow streets
Lipsi Today
Lipsi are a cluster of islets in the southeastern Aegean, located north of Leros and east of Patmos. Their name is taken from the name of the largest island, Lipsi or Lipsos, which consists of two landmasses, joined together by a narrow 400 meter wide neck. It is the only inhabited island with a total surface of 16 sq. kms, 36 kms of coastline and a population of about 600 inhabitants. Around the main island, Lipso, 24 islets and 6 rocky peaks make up an impressive island group. Lipsi is a tranquil little island still untouched by mass tourism. That is why it is an ideal place for anyone wishing to spend their holidays peacefully and enjoy the sun, the sea and the company of the friendly and hospitable islanders. The island's size is such, that you will be able to get anywhere on the island on foot.
fishermen at work
The island's unique settlement is located rougly aroung the center of the island, deep along the well-protected bay bearing the island's name. Behind the port is the picturesqe town of Lipsi with its white washed houses and blue shutters. At the center of the town is the impressive church of Ag. Ioannis Theologos (St. John the Theologician) with its blue dome and two bell towers. There, in a ground floor hall, is the archaeological collection of Lipsi, well worth visiting. One of the most significant old churches of the island is "Panaghia of Charos" (Virgin Mary of Death), built around 1600. The church was named after the original icon of Virgin Mary who holds the crucified Christ in her arms. The church celebrates the feast of the Virgin on August 23rd and for the locals this day is celebrated at the two squares of the village with traditional music and dances. Other settlements on Lipsi are those of Kouselio, Katsadia, and Platys Gialos.
Lipsi in history
The history of Lipsi is inseparable from the history of the larger neighboring islands and especially that of Patmos. The name Lipsi is ancient and it is encountered as "Lipsia" on ancient inscriptions. Lipsi seems to have been inhabited from pre-historic times until today. Clay pots and inscriptions dating back to classical times, have been found on various parts of the island. In 1370 B.C. the Kares inhabit the island while 170 years later, the Dorians occupy the island around 1200 B.C. After them, the Ionians take over the rule for several decades.
general view of lipsi island
Remains and various findings that were found on a hill, testify that around the 4th century B.C. there must have existed a small town up since the location was a natural castle. In 730 A.D. Lipsi becomes part of the then Byzantine state. From there on and until the 11th century A.D. we lose trace of the island's history, because like many other islands of the Aegean sea, it was deserted. During the 11th century A.D. the neighboring island of Patmos is given over to St. Christodoulos (where he builds the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist and Theologician), along with the island of Lipsi.
Worth Seeing
Panaghia tou Charou, one of the oldest and most remarkable on the island, was built in around 1600. The church takes its name - the Virgin of Death - from a remarkable icon it contains, in which the Virgin is depicted holding the dead body of the crucified Christ in her arms. Since 1943 the church has been renowned for what is known as the miracle of the lilies.
icon of "Panayia tou Charou"
It all began in April 1943, when the local people had placed in front of
the icon some white lilies. A few weeks later the flowers, which had withered and died, suddelny began to revive and put forth buds. By the time of the festival of the Virgin on August 23 the buds had blossomed into full-grown lilies, just as if it were April again. The miracle has occurred regularly each year since then, and on August 23rd each year the faithful come to the church in droves to honour the majesty of the Virgin and to marvel at the miracle.
summer sunset view of lipsi
lipsi sites
On Lipsi island, the monuments belonging to the early Christian period are of importance. These are a large three-chambered basilica with mosaic flooring and a baptisery, possibly of the 5th century, situated at Kouselio, remnants of walls, and architectural remains and mosaic floors at Katsadia, where the churches of St. Spyridon and St. Pandeleimon are located today.
Some of the most important sites of Lipsi worth visiting are the following:
- Panaghia of Charos church
- The church of AGHIOS IOANNIS THEOLOGOS (the island's largest church)
- The church of KIMISI TIS THEOTOKOU (located in a little harbour named in honor of the church)
- PANAGIA OF KOUSELIO church (built on the foundations of a pre-christian temple)
- The two churches of ST. NICHOLAS located on either side of the harbour
- The church of ST. THEOLOGOS of MOSCHATO
- The church of PROFITIS ILIAS
- The church of ST. NEKTARIOS
