Astypalaia island

Astipalaia (alias Stampalia) is the most western and the most remote island of the Dodecanese . The island's surface area is 97 sq. km while the coasts are 110 km long. Astipalaia is divided into two parts, Messa Nissi and Oxo Nissi, which are joined by a narrow piece of land 100 m. wide. Astipalaia is 23 n.m. away from Kos , 27 n.m. from Anafi, while Piraeus is 175 n.m. The island is mountainous -its highest peak being Vardia (482 m.), while on the small plain grow with fruit trees, garden products and vegetables, as well as many walnut trees, watered by the local springs.
 

Sightseeing
The island of Astipalaia was named after the sister of Europe and mother of Minoa, as mythology indicates. It is located west of the Dodecanese and it appears like two islands linked together by a natural bridge. At the picturesque capital of Astipalaia, Chora, white houses with the red roofs, brigthly colored windows and the numerous windmills create a beautiful scenery. Travellers must pay a visit to the church of Panagia Portariotissa , the caves at Vetse and Vathi and they can have fun at the fine beaches of Livadi, Deftero Maramari, Agios Ioannis and Agios Vasilis.
 

Castle of Astypalea
The imposing Venetian Castle of Astipalaia stands at a height of 100 metres over the town. It was built in the 13th century. It is also called the " Castle of Cuirini " from the name of the family which ruled the island from 1207 to 1522. The family's coat of arms still stands over its central gate. On the outside, one can see stone fortification walls with embrasures which were built to protect the island from pirates. Inside, among narrow labyrinthine passageways, were the houses of the members of the Cuirini family which were inhabited up until 1956. Of particular note are the beautiful old churches of Panagia Kastrou and Agios Georgios. From there, the view over Astipalaia is enchanting.
 

Church of Panagia Portaitissa
The Church of Panagia Portaitissa stands near the Castle of Astipalaia in "Rodia" (Pomegranate), which owes its name to the tree which used to be in its precinct. According to tradition, it was built by St Anthimos in the 18th century. On the outside, one can admire its dentelated dome, the many decorations which make it the most beautiful church on the island, and its imposing stone bell-tower. Inside, there is a valuable wood-carved screen embellished with sheets of gold where the icon of the Virgin is kept. It is said to be a copy of the icon of the virgin of the Monastery of Ivira in Agio Oros.
 

Mythology
According to one legend, Astipalaia was named after the wife of Neptune . Another legend claims that the island was named after the sister of Europe (the mother of King Minos). The island was called "Ichthioessa" in ancient times, because it was a significant fishing land, while it was also called the Altar of the Gods, as it was fertile, with a lot of flowers. The Venetians called the island "Stambalia". The first inhabitants of the island were Kares, while the Cretans later migrated here. From a sign and the dialect from ancient inhabitants, one concludes that emigrants from Argolida lived here, while other signs indicate that the island thrived on sailing. Astipalaia was the homeland of the famous athlete, Kleomedes, who, according to myth, defeated an athlete called Eccos in wrestling in the first Olympian championship, by killing him with a single punch. The judges took away his Olympic title and forced Kleomedes to pay a fine, since they did not consider the death of his opponent legal. Kleomedes, bitter, returned to Astipalaia, and demolished the column of a school, thus causing the death of 60 students. The locals persecuted him by throwing stones, and Kleomedes sought refuge in the Temple of Athena and locked himself in a case. When people of Astipalaia opened the case, they discovered it was empty and Pythia told them that Kleomedes was no longer mortal and was to be honoured as a hero.
 

History
Astipalaia was a member of the Athenian Alliance during 454-424 BC, while, due to its naval significance, it had an important role during the Hellenistic Era. In 105 BC, the Romans, after coming to an agreement with the islanders, granted the locals autonomous privileges, in return for the use of the island's ports, which served as refuges from the pirates. There is no significant information concerning the early Byzantine years, yet, after the collapse of the Byzantine Empire, Astipalaia came under the command of the Venetian, Jeremiad Gisi, followed by the Quirini family who, with the exception of a short period of time, ruled the island until 1537, when it was conquered by the Turks. The people of Astipalaia participated in the Greek Revolution in 1821, while the island became part of the "Scheme of Thera", the following year. In spite of Kapodistrias's efforts, Astipalaia and the rest of the Dodecanese island remained under Turkish rule until 1912, when the island was occupied by the Italians, during the Italian-Turkish War (1911-1912). The Italian Rule ended after the end of the World War II, and Astipalaia, along with the rest of the Dodecanese islands, was united with Greece on 7 March 1948.