Why Visit
A picturesque capital (it has been declared protected settlement) with grand traditional mansions and picturesque cobbled streets, as well as a wide selection of entertainment venues are the ingredients of this quiet, yet cosmopolitan, destination that attracts visitors from all age groups.
Take the opportunity to stroll around the Lemon Forest, a verdant hill with more than 30,000 lemon and orange trees, located on the opposite situated coast of the Peloponnese, southeast of the town of Galatás. The boat trip will only take a few minutes. The view from the hilltop to the island of Póros is really stunning. Take your boat to discover the surrounding islets.
On the way from Dokos to Poros port you will have an oportunity to enjoy the beauty and calm crystal waters of the famous Rosiko Bay.
History
Mythological background
According to ancient Greek mythology, Poros is the birthplace of a romantic tragedy. When the Cretan King Minos was fighting the city of Megara, the daughter of the besieged city, Scylla, fell in love with the Cretan King. To show her love, she cut off a lock of her father's hair, which were the source of his immortality, stole the keys to the city's gates and gave them to King Minos. But when the king finally took the city, he rejected Scylla and prepared to return to Crete. In desperation, she jumped into the sea and followed the ships until she drowned of exhaustion. The area where she died was named after her and is called until today Cape Skili.
Yet, another myth associated with Poros is that of Theseus, son of Poseidon. He was the famous Athenian hero who killed the Minotaur of Crete, a monster that was half man, half bull. A temple was built in his honor, the known Temple of Poseidon.
Ancient times
During the Mycenaean times (1400-1100 BC), the powerful nautical station of the area was situated on the rocky island called Modi (or Liontari), on the eastern coast of Poros. Under the Archaic period (700-380 BC), ancient Calauria (Kalavria), the northern part of the island, was under the domination of Troezen. In fact, the history of Poros is much connected to the history of ancient Troezen. During the 7th century BC, Poros was the seat of an alliance called the Amphictyonic League, formed by the city-states of Hermioni, Epidaurus, Aegina, Athens, Prassia, Nauplia and Orchomenos. This cooperation was a nautical, religious and political confederation, founded as a protection to their independence and their trade from the Argives.
The first Persian attack to Greece took place at the beginning of the 5th century BC. The second one occurred during the spring of 480 BC. When the Peloponnesian war between Sparta and Athens (431-404 BC) ended, it expanded to the area of the Argo-saronic Gulf. In the middle of the 4th century BC, Greece came under Macedonian rule. In reaction, Troezen, followed by Kalavria, offered refuge to an anti-Macedonian called Athinogenis, who became the tyrant of the area. After the death of Alexander the Great (323 BC), the Ptolemies of Egypt were the next rulers of Greece and Poros.
From Medieval to Recent Age
The morphology of the Argo-saronic Gulf changed in 273 BC, when the volcano eruption in Methana. Like the rest of Greece, Poros came under the Roman domination from 86 BC until 395 AD, became a part of the Byzantine Empire from 330 AD to 1204 and fell under Ottoman rule from 1453 to 1821, a rule only interrupted by a period of Venetian domination. During the Turkish yoke, Poros developed a powerful merchant fleet which did not acquire such a great reputation as the one of the fleet of Hydra and Spetses, because it did not contribute that much in the war activity.
However, the role of Poros in the Greek War of Independence was very important and worth mentioned. As a matter of fact, the island of Poros became an important place of passage (because of its proximity to the Peloponnese) and of revolutionary meetings. The first navy yard and Naval Academy were formed in Poros in 1828 close to the Russian Dockyard and remained there until 1878. Also in September 1828, Poros was the siege of one of the most important meetings for Greece: the ambassadors of England, France and Russia came to meet Kapodistrias and discuss about the definition of the borders of the Modern Greek state, which was eventually established in 1830.
Museums - Archeological
The Archaeological Museum of Poros is located on Korizi Square, Poros Town. It was founded in the 1960s and houses various finds from the Sanctuary of Poseidon, among which are a section of an Ionic column from the temple and a piece of the statue of Poseidon. The collection also exhibits finds and photographs of finds from ancient Troezen and Methana in Peloponnese.
Another collection is found in the Hatzopoulios Municipal Library, located in the streets of Poros Town. This library was an inspiration of Ekaterini Hatzopoulos. Housed in a Neoclassical building, it has a small cinema room and frequently organizes exhibitions.
Beaches
Askeli beach, Love Bay, Megalo Neorio, Mikro Neorio, Kanali, Monastiri, Panagitsa, Russian Bay, Kalavria beach, Vayionia
Religious Monasteries and Churches
Poros has beautiful spots to visit and a few historical churches embellishing the island with their glimmering whiteness and spare lines. It is a real pleasure to discover them while they lay hidden among the dense vegetation.
The historical monastery of Zoodochos Pigis is one of the most visited sites in Poros built on the lush green slopes, 4 km east of the town. It is surrounded by tall strong walls and of unique interest is the wooden iconostasis. The monastery was founded in 1720 by the Metropolitan priest Iakovos. A small church lies in the middle of the monastery with beautiful frescoes and icons of the Virgin and other saints.
In the heart of Poros, close to the old quarter of Kasteli dominates the Metropolis church of Agios Georgios. It houses some precious icons and relics painted by the most renowned Greek painters. Also above Askeli beach you will see the lovely chapel of Panagitsa (Virgin).
