Spetses

Why Visit
Spreading along the slopes of a hill, the town has several quarters with elegant mansions and narrow paved paths.

Dapia, the main port of Spetses, is surrounded by canons and provides a romantic place for a day coffee or an evening drink. You will enjoy long promenades, both in the seaside and the countryside. The most beautiful beaches are far from the town and can be accessed by bus or boat. They include Vrellos, Agia Marina and Agia Paraskevi.

In Spetses, do not also miss a visit to the Museum of Bouboulina, a traditional mansion that was the home of a famous heroine of the Greek Revolution. This guide of Spetses offers all useful information for holidays there. This island has frequent ferry connection with Athens and other Greek islands, such as Hydra and Poros. Opposite Spetses, there is the coast of Ermionida in Peloponnese with lovely seaside places.

History
From Ancient to Medieval times

Archaeological findings indicate that Spetses has been inhabited since the Early Bronze Age (also called first Hellenic Era, about 2500 BC). During the 15th century, the local population increased with people coming from the coast of the Peloponnese but they could not form settlements because of the frequent pirate attacks. The first settlements took place only around the 17th century. The very first Medieval settlement was Kastelli, built on the north-west side of the island and surrounded by thick walls. Once the island was settled, it began to develop a great marine power and tradition which is still the trademark of Spetses.

Participation in the Greek Revolution

The 18th century was the beginning of a golden era for Spetses that emphasized in the shipbuilding activity and the empowerment of its fleet. The impressive merchant fleet of Spetses was converted into warships that played a major role during the Greek Revolution against the Turkish yoke. Spetses had an equal contribution during the Peloponnesian War, in 1769, by taking part in the revolt, known as the Orlov's revolt, with numerous fully equipped warships. To punish the Spetsiots for that action, Turks organised a punitive expedition and completely destroyed the fortified town of Kastelli. That didn't stop the Spetsiots to help the revolutionary Lambros Katsionis in 1790 and to suffer again from Ottoman punishment. The patriotism and courage of the Spetsiots was unbeatable, therefore they were the first to respond to the revolutionary call in 1821.

Spetses, as one of the three important naval centers (along with Hydra and Psara), dedicated its powerful fleet and its soul to the fight against the Ottoman Empire. The Spetsiot ships participated to the liberation of Nafplio, Monemvassia, Mani and Messolongi as well as in the siege and conquest of Tripolitsa, and went in Crete to fight the Egyptian fleet, which was allied with the Turks. These powerful ships were also used to transport weapons, munitions and supplies to other islands that joined the Revolution and the main cause of the success during the decisive battle against the Ottoman fleet in the Argolic Gulf. This historical event is still commemorated today in Spetses, where a reconstitution of the battle is organised in the main harbour of the town on the second weekend of September.

Lascarina Bouboulina

One of the most famous heroes of the Greek Revolution was the Spetsiote female captain Lascarina Bouboulina, an important figure for the history of Spetses, who took the command of her husband's fleet when he died and became an active member of the "Filiki Etairia", a secret revolutionary organisation organising the revolt. She fought in many important battles and spent most of her fortune to finance the war. Other Spetsiot ship owners and wealthy merchants participated offering financial aid to empower the revolution. Most remembered among them are Hatzigiannis-Mexis, Cosmas Barbatsis, captain Tsoupas, captain Panou, captain Koutsis and captain Lambrou.

Recent years

Spetses maintained its prosperity and power for several years after the Greek Revolution but started to decline at the beginning of the 20th century, when Piraeus became the center of merchant development, activity and trading. The two World Wars brought great poverty and misery on the island and forced a part of the population to move abroad. The island of Spetses recovered from its decline by quickly developing again thanks to the growth of tourism which started in the early 1900s.

This is the moment when the island gained the role of a popular resort for the middle classes, attracted by the education and wealth of the prominent families. The classy and cosmopolitan image of Spetses was increased by Sotiris Anargyros, a repatriated Spetsiot who became very rich in America, and used part of his money to build a road and a reservoir, the first luxurious hotel of the island (Posidonio Hotel), a prestigious private boarding school, the Anargyrios and Korgialeneios School, and financed the reforestation and conservation programme of the thick pine forest of Spetses. Today, tourism is the main resource of the island.

Museums - Archeological
Spetses developed a lot during the Medieval times, which is why the island has an intense Medieval style. However, it also had a boost in the ancient times, as excavations have shown. Findings from these excavations are found in the Museum of Spetses. The museum is housed in the superb mansion of Hatzigiannis Mexis, one of the notable personalities who played a leading part during the fight for the Greek Independence. This 18th century building is an excellent example of local architecture and has a flat facade with an arched ground floor patio supporting a balcony.

The first floor displays a collection of relics and objects depicting the island's history and culture from the Early Classical period to the beginning of the 20th century. Sculptures, Roman coins, Byzantine icons, local costumes, embroideries, religious relics and items, portraits, historical documents and weapons are some of the various objects on display.

Very interesting is also the Museum of Bouboulina, just a short walking distance from the port. This private museum is housed in the home of Bouboulina, and displays a collection of personal objects and household furnishing of the Spetsiote heroine. This traditional Spetsiote mansion is really interesting to visit for its collection but also for the astonishing wood-carved Florentine ceiling in the main salon.

Lascarina Bouboulina is one of the few female heroes of the Greek Revolution and the most strong and commanding women in Greek history. She was born in 1771, lost her two husbands from pirate attacks and used the fortune and ships of the second one help the fight for independence.

Beaches
Agia Paraskevi, Agia Marina, Town Beach, Agioi Anargiri, Kaiki, Vrellos, Xilokeriza, Zogeria

Religious Monasteries and Churches
Sightseeing in Spetses, apart from the cultural attractions includes a few churches and monasteries that spread throughout the town itself and beyond, most of which are dating from the early Christian times and post-Byzantine years. Among the other churches, the one that plays a major role in the life of the locals is the church of the Dormition of the Virgin, the island's Cathedral located close to Kasteli settlement. Of unique interest are the frescoes and the wooden iconostasis.

The monastery of Agios Nikolaos used to be the Metropolis of Spetses during the revolutionary years. It was built in the 18th century it is accessed on the way to the old port. At the entrance of the monastery rises the stunning bell tower made of marble. Today it is inhabited by nuns and it is highly recommended to enjoy some peaceful moments and the breathtaking view.

A picturesque chapel that should not be missed is the church of Panagia Armata built between 1824 and 1830 to commemorate the defeat of the Ottoman fleet in 1822. Also worth seeing are the churches of Agia Triada, Agioi Pantes, Agios Vasilios and the whitewashed chapel of Agia Marina standing on top of a rocky cliff.