Spinalonga - an island with torn outlines that is located on the coast in the eastern part of Crete, in Mirabelu Bay . Once the island was part of the mainland, but later a thin jumper was destroyed - according to some information, not by natural means, but by the Venetians' hands . Even before the beginning of their rule on Spinalonga, the fortress was already built . Venetians immediately appreciated the advantages of the island location in the bay and erected here a full- which for many centuries remained almost impregnable . In the 16th century, under the constant struggle for dominion in the Mediterranean, this was necessary: ​​Cyprus was already under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, and the Turks constantly raided the coast of Crete . In the mid-17th century Ottomans conquered Crete, but Spinalongu Venetians managed to hold in their hands for another 75 years . The islet became the last refuge of Christians in Crete .

In the end Spin The Turks also seized the along, and civilians settled there, mostly the fishermen . But in a half century the roles changed: two revolutions took place in Crete . Now the Turkish families flew from the Cretians on the island, but this did not last long, and by 1900 Spinalonga was already poor . Three years later, the Cretan government signed a decree on settling here colonies for lepers . The arrival of the first batch of patients became a more effective means to expel the last remaining Turks from the island than the armed attack . At that time, lepra caused an almost superstitious horror . And the opportunity to live in relatively human conditions in houses abandoned by the Turks became truly a charity act for the sick of Crete .

The leper colony on the island was preserved and after Crete entered in the composition of Greece, and the sick were brought here from all over the country, and later from other countries. The circumstances of life in the leper colony Spinalongs have been a nightmare for a long time. The houses were in a dilapidated state, and there was no opportunity to repair them in patients. There was not enough money, food, even drinking water. The situation began to change for the better only after the Second World War, and before that Spinalonga remained an island of tears and grief

After the discovery by the Americans of a cure for leprosy, the number of Spinalongi inhabitants began to decline, and by the middle of the 20th century the island was depopulated . @ But, despite the gloomy history, recently it has become one of the most popular tourist sites in Crete and is among the five most visited Byzantine sites on the island . Spinalonga Fortress is well preserved, and with the head of the hill on which it is located opens a beautiful view of the sea . Some buildings have been renovated and refurbished . There are cafes, souvenir shops, a sports equipment rental center .

Leprosoriy, Spinalonga

Beaches Spinalonga

Spinalonga at night

Spinalonga

Spinalongi Street

Reviews of Spinalonga (1)

Evaluation 10

Completely fearless and very beautiful island lepers May 30, 2014

Alice

was here in June 2013

When they told us before the tour that Spinalonga is an island of lepers, it became somehow uncomfortable. But in fact, everything is not so scary. Firstly, it was a long time ago and there have long been no patients or any other inhabitants. Secondly, on this island was built a Venetian fortress, the remains of which are very well preserved. The island-fortress looks very impressive when you swim to it. It is quite small, but it rises beautifully above the sea. Near the central tower you can see the surviving ... Read the full review