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22.6.14

Spinalonga - The Island

Referred to simply as ‘the book’ in Cyprus, the novel, ‘The Island’ by Victoria Hislop is one of the most popular and successful books ever read  in Cyprus & Greece. The novel features a trip back in time to the Cretian island of Spinalonga which has a unique and dramatic history.

In the Venetian period of Crete, the Bay of Elounda was used as a safe haven for Venetian ships and a fort was built on the ruins of an ancient castle at Spinalonga. From 1669 the Turks conquered Crete, but the tiny island of Spinalonga held fast until 1715, when it finally surrendered to the Ottoman Empire. Homes were built and fishing and trade flourished during this period, before the Turkish occupation ended in 1889.

Most notably, the island was turned into a leper colony by the Greek government in 1903, which heralded an entirely new episode in its rich history. Spinalonga with its imposing tunneled access became home to many suffering inhabitants, who were exiled from their families and friends in Crete; most of which were never to return.

The most amazing part of this story, and indeed the novel featuring the islands history, was that in the midst of all of this pain and suffering, the residents created a wonderful functioning community: they refurbished the old Turkish houses and built, a bakery, a coffee shop as well as and a grocery store and a church.

The brave residents of Spinalonga transformed their existence with the power of hope and a great deal of hard work. In 1912 Crete was once again reunited with the rest of Greece and the islands inhabitants’ received some financial support from the Greek government. The financial support offered the opportunity to create a more dynamic and contemporary society; there was now a president, a priest and a teacher.

In the ultimate act of hope defeating adversity, many weddings were performed on Spinalonga, of which a hundred children were born – all of whom were healthy!

It is a wonderful place to visit; there are few places in the world where suffering has collided with hope to such an amazing extent. There are many interesting buildings to visit on the island and the view from the port is beautiful. So, if you are visiting Crete, why not take a boat trip across the bay and relive Spinalonga’s rich and inspiring history?


Bay Of Elounda & Bastion Barbariga


Entrance - Dante's Gate



Street View Spinalonga



 Disinfection Room


Lepers' Hospital


Lepers' Dormitories



House Interior


Market Street