view of Chorio (Ano Symi)
About Symi
Symi belongs to the Dodecanese island complex and is situated NW of Rhodes, at a distance of 24 nautical miles from its port and 255 n.m. from the port of Piraeus. It is located very close to the Asia Minor coastline and has a total surface of 68 sq. miles and 85 kms of coastline. As you glimpse the perfectly formed harbor of Symi town for the first time you are confronted with a beautiful picture-postcard Venetian village. You will be enchanted by the wonderfully well-preserved houses (huddled together as they cling to the steeply rising hills beyond), that reflect the island's rich past. On Symi you will enjoy the sea even in May or October-due to its mild climate and its many days of sunshine it has one of the longest summers of the Greek islands! Symi consists of two distinctive areas-Yialos which is the island's harbour and Ano Symi or Chorio. Smaller settlements are those of Nimborios, Pedi, Marathounda and Panormitis.
the colourful rooftops
Ano Symi, the island's capital, is really impressive as you glimpse it for the first time. Its houses begin from Yialos and go all the way up the steeply rising hills on top of which are the remains of the Castle of the Knights of St. John within whose walls is the church of Megali Panaghia. Yialos is connected to Ano Symi by a lane called "Kali Strata" which
consists of about 500 large, steps with beautiful old mansions with neoclassical decorative elements lining the way. All of Ano Symi and Gialos have been fairly proclaimed as preserved settlements. Emborios or Nimborio (according to tradition the palace of King Nireus was situated here) is located north of Yialos. It is a pleasant and rather large bay that can be reached on foot or by taxi boat. Pedi is a settlement by the sea, 2 kms east of Ano Symi, nestled in a sandy bay.
general view of Symi port town
At last do not miss visiting the Monastery of the Archangel Michael at Panormitis, located SW of the island in a place that combines mountain and sea. It is one of Symi's most important monasteries. While visiting the island take long walks and discover its many monasteries and chapels!
Symi in history
Symi's history goes back to ancient times, all the way back to mythology. Its ancient name was Aigli, Metapontis and Kariki. First inhabitants of the island are considered to be the Kares and Leleges. Symi is mentioned in the Heliade, in the Trojan War, in which the Symiot King Nireus participated with 3 boats.
Chapel Interior
From 1309 begins a period of prosperity for the island with the development of shipping, sponge commerce, boat building, wood-carving and other crafts. During this period also begun the development of the island's settlements the beauty of which is apparent to this day. Symi was occupied by the Turks in 1522 while in 1912 the Turkish occupation gives way to Italian control until March 7, 1948 when Symi's incorporation to the Greek state was made official.
Symi sites
Climbing the 'Kali Strata"
Some of the most important sites of Symi worth visiting are the following:
- Symi town Castle-Ano Symi
- Monastery of the Archangel Michael in Panormos
- The monastery of the Archangel Michael Roukouniotis
- The church of the prophet Elijah
- The islet of Nimos
- "Pontikokastro" near the windmills
- The church of PROFITIS ILIAS
- The church of ST. NEKTARIOS
