Spinalonga is a small island near Elounda in Eastern Crete. Spinalonga has become known as the island of lepers, since here lepers were isolated from Crete and the rest of Greece until 1957.
THE STORY OF SPINALOGA
The Venetian cartographer Vincenzo Coronelli argues that Spinalonga was not always an island, but was naturally united with the neighboring Kolokytha peninsula. He states that in 1526, the Venetians destroyed part of the peninsula and created the island. Due to its location the island was already fortified since antiquity in order to protect the entrance to the port of the ancient city of Olos.
After 1913, Crete was united with Greece and even more patients began to come to Spinalonga, while later it received patients even from other countries and was designated as an International Leprosy Hospital. It was used as a Leprosy Hospital where all the lepers of Crete were driven, who were first isolated in “Meskinia”, outside Heraklion and were considered a source of infection for the rest of the people.
In 2010, “the island” aired on Mega TV. The series told the whole story of Spinalonga through a creative script. Also, a book has been written by Victoria Hislop with the homonymous title and with the same case on which the series was based.
WHAT WILL YOU SEE IN SPINALOGA
Many buildings have been restored on the island, such as leprosariums, houses and shops. You can get a taste of what life was like for these people. You will also see the impressive Venetian walls that served as a fortress. There are several details in the buildings as well as inside them, such as the pharmacy. The truth is that a visit to Spinalonga will not leave you unmoved.
Α beautiful and historical place-monument is worth visiting for the natural beauties it has.
