Mykonos: Minoans, Ionians and Manto Mavrogenous

Mykonos: Minoans, Ionians and Manto Mavrogenous

Arriving in Mýkonos Port with celestyal cruises on an early summers day afternoon you are greeted by the sight of never-ending rows of chalk white houses of the Alefkandra neighbourhood, more affectionately known as “Little Venice”. The half Moon shaped harbour, with the main town of Chóra – GR Χώρα is stacked along the amazingly clear turquoise shores and tightly hugs the sea front.

Greece Mykonos

Greece Arrival in Mykonos

Walking past the welcoming sign you can’t help notice the sight of wealth docked in the new harbour.

Greece Mykonos Port

Mýkonos – GR Μύκονος is likely one of the Greek Islands that you’ve heard about. Faithfully popular with tourists who holiday on the island or like me on this trip have come with many others for an afternoon stopover with one of the many cruise ships that frequent during the summer months.

Greece MykonosSteering clear of the hordes, I found meandering along the charming cobble paved narrow back lanes of Chóra less populated.

 

It wasn’t long before the path brought me through the heart of Mýkonos’ old town of Little Venice lined with historic homes; some dating back to the 18th century, with corbelled wooden loggias at the rear that faces out to the sea. There are a number of quaint churches, and many boutiques, souvenir stores and an array of buzzing bars and bistros serving traditional café and sweets.

Greece The Windmills Mykonos

Continuing along the water front, past Chóra and seeing straight ahead perched on a rocky landscape and standing proud looking out to sea is seven of the sixteen windmills located in Mýkonos. The windmills of Káto Míli – GR Κάτω Μήλι (meaning lower mills) are found very close to the Chóra Old Town and are not only an outstanding sight; they also hold historical interest. Built by the Venetians during the 16th century to refine locally grown grains then compressed for transport to mainland Europe. For four centuries the mills provided a living for the local islanders, and become obsolete during the 20th century. Each windmill is similar in architecture, having a round shape with pointed roof, very small windows and painted white. No windmills are in operation today, however many now provide a home to locals and are also used as vaults to store the island heritage documents.

Greece Panagia Paraportiani Mykonos

Walking back towards ‘Little Venice’, I stopped by to take in the sight of the lovely church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani – GR Παναγία Παραπορτιανή, located at the entrance of the Kastro neighbourhood, right beside the sea. The name Paraportiani translates as ‘standing next to the entrance door’, meaning the church beside the (former Venetian kastro) castle door.

Built during the 14th century and completed during the 17th century, this blended whitewashed Byzantine church complex actually consists of five joined churches. The church of Agios Efstathios – GR Άγιος Ευστάθιος is found in the centre with the church of Agios Anargyros – GR Άγιος Ανάργυρος (the oldest church, built in the late 14th century), Agios Sozon – GR Άγιος Σωζόνας and Agia Anastasia – GR Αγία Αναστασία clocking the inner church.  With the Virgin Mary church sitting atop in the form of the dome.

Greece Catholic Church of Our Lady of Rosario MykonosIt’s mid-afternoon as I walk back to Chóra Old Town, and I find myself stopping for a bite to eat in one of a choice of cafes nestled beside the small Catholic Church of Mýkonos, dedicated to Our Lady of Rosario since 1668.

The recommendation was to try the islands famous cheese and onion pie and of cause sample the islands local raki.

I learn more of the islands history and like all the Greek Islands, have stunning beaches to idle away a day soaking up the sun’s rays. I learn about the area known as Ftelia – GR Φτελιά, where archaeological evidence shows that the spectacular shores of Mýkonos have been inhabited for millennia.

Near Ftelia beach known today for its windsurfing the ancient site of Ftelia – GR Φτελιά provides evidence of human habitation in the later periods of Neolithic times around 3000 BC. Later the Phoenicians came to settle, followed by the Egyptians, Minoans and Ionians.

Due to Mýkonos’ close proximity to the sacred island of Delos (Thelos), Mýkonos became an important supply station. During the Hellenistic period, under the leader of Alexander the Great, Mýkonos came into its own as an important commercial centre for maritime and agricultural trade and gained enormous wealth during the Roman period under the rule of Augustus Caesar. Tragically, under Caesars’ rule the island became a place of islander slave trade and continued into the Ottoman occupation with thousands of islanders being abducted. This triggered a revolutionary movement during 1821-1828, and saw many Mýkonos’ sailors greatly supporting the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman rule.

Greece Monument of Manto Mavrogenous - Credit wikimedia.orgIt’s time to make my way back to the harbour, however not before stopping to see the statue of Manto Mavrogenous, the Heroine of Mýkonos . There are many people idling about on the concrete wall that surrounds the statue, making it difficult to capture a people free photo.

Image shown is credited to wikimedia.

The heroine’s life reads like a tragic romance novel, peppered with heroic acts for her courage and commitment to support the Greek War of Independence, a decision that created discord with her own family who held high positions within the ranks of the Ottoman rule.

Her courageous acts against the Ottoman rule, earned her the honourable title of General in Chief.

At the height of the revolution, as a penniless aristocrat and well educated women, Manto relocates to the town of Nafplio, in the Peloponnese.  Here she meets Demetrios Ypsilantis, the son of a Prince and a high ranking Greek military officer and influential political figure in the Greek War of Independence.

Their relationship and romantic love story formed during the height of the revolution was sealed with an engagement and a promissory letter of marriage by her husband to be – Demetrios Ypsilantis. Yet, shrewd external political powers proved too great, fuelled with lies of cheating, betrayal and denial along with an abduction that saw Manto being returned to Mýkonos.  The fallen heroic aristocrat and her lover, who withdrew his promise of marriage never, reconciled their in differences.

Yet, it is her defiant acts of bravery that are held in the hearts of many Mýkonos’ locals. Her statue located in the public square that honours her name in the small harbour port in Chóra shows a stoic faced woman with eyes fixated and looking out to sea.

A small taste of the island of Mýkonos – there is so much more to see and experience. I returned to Mýkonos a second time as part of a day trip from Naxos to ‘The Sacred island of Delos’.

Greece New Port of Mykonos

Looking back across the clear turquoise shores and busy new harbour before returning to the boat and again, asking myself – will I return again to learn more.

Greece Departing Mykonos

It’s now early evening and the sun’s rays are beginning their descent into the horizon.

It’s now time to again set sail to archipelago of Dodecanese and the small picturesque island of Pátmos tucked away in the Aegean Sea.

Continue Greek island hopping with me, as I spend time in Santorini and the capital of the Crete island, Heraklion and longer visits in other islands in the Mediterranean.

This blog is one of a number in a series of blog posts sharing historic events, ancient history and the hypnotic wonders of many parts of Greece and her Islands that I have written sharing personal journeys that have enriched my life and broadened my knowledge and understanding of the richness and diversity of our shared world. Experiencing the gifts of a new outer landscape in a new country that evokes ones senses in many and varied ways, and provides offerings of reflection that is awakening the inner landscape. I invite you to read and learn more about other locations within Greece and her Islands here.

Embracing the lessons and learning’s that a new outer landscape gives is one of life’s inspirational mysteries. Yet our personal horoscope offers valuable insights that guide each of us with acknowledging the lessons and integrating the learning’s through the practice of Astrocartography, Where Location Matters.

Below you’ll find a personal account of how and why Astrocartography is a valuable guide to support the awakening of our inner landscape. See how together with your personal horoscope and Astrocartography you can incorporate the outer and inner landscapes.

Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope that I bring some inspiration (if needed) to visit this amazing and magical part of the world. Leave a comment and let me know, and visit A Soul Awakening to subscribe and receive new blog posts as they become available.

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Greece Mykonos _ Minoans, Ionians and Manto MavrogenousGreece Mykonos _ Minoans, Ionians and Manto Mavrogenous

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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21 Comments

  • Chris 14 September 2019 11:02 pm

    I loved the Greek islands. But haven’t been to these ones. I know now where I need to plan my next trip out there.

    • ASoulAwakening 15 September 2019 8:53 pm

      Thank you Chris. As you’ve visited some of Greece’s Islands you’ll know and can appreciate the beauty and history that captivates one, in this part of the world.

  • Georgina 15 September 2019 8:09 am

    Marilyn! .Take me to Mykonos! And you certainly did on this article. How pretty are the white chalk house against the turquoise blue sea. Beautiful! Especially liked the photo of the evening – sunset . Really nice.

    • ASoulAwakening 15 September 2019 8:58 pm

      Thank you Georgina, for you kind feedback. Mykonos is one of the more heavily touristic Greek island; yet also holds some fascinating and interesting history. I trust you’ll visit some time.

  • Elsa 15 September 2019 5:13 pm

    Mykonos was probably my favorite stop during our cruise trip after Santorini

    • ASoulAwakening 15 September 2019 9:02 pm

      Agree with you Elsa, both Mykonos and Santorini are both truly beautiful locations. Thank you for stopping to read the post. Appreciate your feedback.

  • Gabby 17 September 2019 4:16 pm

    It’s nice to know, that despite the crowds, you can still get some alone time with Crete and soak up all that beautiful culture and blue skies!

    • ASoulAwakening 18 September 2019 4:06 pm

      Thanks Gabby, I’m sensing Crete is in your thoughts. And your comment was referencing Mykonos, where there are quieter spots to be away from the crowds to enjoy what Mykonos has to offer.

  • Lara 22 September 2019 2:03 am

    Auwww these photos, what a beautiful place. I think I need to revisit Greece. It’s been way too long!

    • ASoulAwakening 23 September 2019 10:39 pm

      Thank you Lara for stopping by to read. Without knowing how long its been since your last visit; I can only imagine that there would be change. A few more buildings, to accommodate and give even more places for tourists and travelers alike to relax on one of Greece’s most well known islands.

  • Emese 28 May 2020 1:04 pm

    Such a beautiful island! Your photos make me want to be there right now. I enjoyed your story of the heroine of Mykonos; I’ve never heard of her before, but her story sounds inspiring! Love it when you add historical facts to a post.

    • ASoulAwakening 28 May 2020 10:03 pm

      Appreciate your kind words Emese. Thank you 🙂 Mykonos is a very popular island, however is also a great island as a stop over on a day trip to the scared island of Thelos (Delos). Each of the Greek Islands have their own uniqueness and I’ve also learnt each has a prominent female figure that is held in the hearts of the locals.

  • Linda (LD Holland) 20 May 2023 8:34 pm

    We have only ever made it to Mykonos as day trips but it is on our list for a longer visit. We did love that walk up to get a close look at the windmills of Kato Mili. But sadly we missed the cheese and onion pie! Mykonos will definitely be a longer stop for us when we return to the Greek Islands.

  • Hege 20 May 2023 9:46 pm

    This island looks incredibly charming and so tranquil! Love your photos, and I also love old cities – thank you for sharing! Pinned for future island adventures in Europe 🙂

  • Kim 21 May 2023 4:36 am

    The Greek Islands are beautiful in your photos and I’d love to go one day. They all seem to offer something different as well, so I suppose I will have to see as many as I can. Sounds like fun.

  • Kitty 21 May 2023 10:22 am

    I have been to several of the Greek islands but not yet to Mykonos – something I definitely will have to change! Love those windmills especially.

  • Denise 23 May 2023 8:13 am

    I’ve been to Greece but missed Mykanos. I’ve been regretting it ever since!

  • Gladis Morales 31 May 2023 7:19 pm

    I really like the storytelling! I felt part of your Mykonos trip. Especially when you turned away from the hordes. Beautifully written with stunning photos!

  • Laura 31 May 2023 8:02 pm

    I’ve heard of Mykonos but wasn’t aware of all this history. You learn something new every day 🙂

  • A Capone Connection 31 May 2023 8:58 pm

    Since Greece is on my bucket list I’m saving everything I can get my hands on. Thanks!

  • Jennifer 31 May 2023 10:16 pm

    Greece is so stunningly beautiful and rich with history..would love to visit these areas someday..saving your recs for a future visit

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