Missolonghi

Missolongi (Mesolongion) is a small town in Central Greece, the capital of the district of Aetolia and Akarnania. It is located 35 km from Agrinion and 37 km from Andirio. 

 

Situated between the rivers Aheloi and Evinos, protected by Mount Arakintos, Missolongi lies on the inner edge of a large lagoon that runs along the northern shore Gulfs of Patraikos. In Missolongi is the diocesan center of Etolia and Akarnania Metropolis of the Hellenic Orthodox Church.

 

The area of the modern city has been inhabited since antiquity and was part of Aetolia, an ancient city-state. The remains of these cities are located quite close to Missolonga. Ancient Pleuron is located north-west of it, and the remains of Ancient Calydon are 11 kilometers to the east. Recently, during the construction of the highway Ionia - Odos, the remains of another ancient city have been discovered, which according to archaeologists was called Alikirna. It can be seen in the area of Agios Thomas.

 

Missolongi has been known since at least from the Venetian era, beginning in 1204, when the Venetians conquered the area because of its strategic position next to the lagoon. According to theory, the name Missolongi comes from a combination of the Italian words "mezzo" and "lagi," which means something like "the place between the lakes." The city was quite prosperous, but after the defeat of the Turks, its importance declined.

Missolongi is the only hero city in Greece and has become quite famous because of an important historical event called the "Breakthrough from Missolongi".

On May 20, 1821, an uprising broke out in the city against Turkish domination. The Turks twice besieged Missolongi, but both times were forced to retreat. The third siege the city could not withstand. It continued from April 15, 1825 to April 10, 1826 - almost a full year. Within the walls of the fortress with the Greeks fought many so-called Philhellenes - foreigners who had come to the aid of the Greek people.

For a whole year the defenders of Missolonga bravely defended the city, which was in fact under siege. At one time the Greek navy broke the blockade and helped the city with provisions, but this good fortune was short-lived, the Turks again cut off the city. And then a battle took place here, which only stopped at the beginning of Palm Sunday. Only there, on top of Mount Zigos, could those who had escaped the siege breathe freely.

 

Of the 3,000 soldiers who took part in the breakthrough, only 1,300 survived. The remaining 1,700 died in the battles of the breakthrough. Only 13 of the women survived, and only three or four children. The Turkish and Egyptian losses were estimated at 5,000. Among those who made it back to the city and died were Bishop Joseph Rogon (spiritual leader of the besieged), Jacob Mayer, Michael Kokkinis, and those who exploded with the hero Christos Kapsalis during the explosion of the powder stores, who blew up themselves so as not to fall into the hands of the conqueror.

 

To the memory of that heroic breakthrough and the feat of both Greeks and many foreigners in the city, it was decided to open the so-called "Park of Heroes". This area of 14 hectares is located directly at the remains of the wall. Here you can see both monuments on the mass grave and many monuments dedicated to different people who died here. Among them are Markos Botsaris, the English Greekophile Lord Byron, the Swiss John-James Meyer and many others. By the way, Lord Byron's heart is kept in the local mausoleum.

 

There are several interesting museums in the modern city:

Trikoupis Museum is located in an 1840 mansion, which used to belong to the diplomat and the first prime minister of Greece, Spyridon Trikoupis. There are a lot of antique artifacts of the 19th century collected here. It is located at 10, Trikoupis Street, tel. +30 26310 26 283.

Kostas Palamos Museum, dedicated to the famous Greek poet is also a collection of personal objects and artefacts. Address: 4 Spondi Street.

Museum of History and Art, located in the beautiful neoclassical building of the Old Town Hall. It presents paintings inspired by events at Missolongi, such as Lance's Woman of Missolongi, as well as artifacts related to the life of Lord Byron who died here. The museum's address is Botsari Square, 1, tel. +30 26310 22 134. 

The most interesting natural attraction of Missolongi is the picturesque lagoon of the same name with 8 small islands, also played a role in the siege of the city. There are several fish farms that produce caviar. The lagoon itself is quite picturesque and famous for its special ecosystem.