WELCOME MAY!

Hello May!

 

Ierissos 

Ierissos was called Akanthos in the ancient times. Based on information from the local association of Ierissos, "Kligenis", we learn that:

"Akanthos was one of the most ancient and important colonies of the inhabitants of the isalnd of Andros. As the ancient greek writer Plutarch cites, in  its position stood a "barbaric city" by the name of "the coast of the dragon".  This city was to become the "apple of discord" among the inhabitants of Andros and Chalkida. "

Finally the city was colonised by the ingabitants of the island of Andros (Cyclades), which was itself a colony of Eretria (city of the island of Evia where Chalkida is).  Andros built more smaller cities in Chalkidiki such as Ouranoupolis, Stagira (the birthplace of Aristotle), Arni, Thisos on Mt.Athos and many others. The year of colonisation took place at the second greek colonisation around 700 B.C. 

Aristotle, was one of the most important ancient Greek philosophers among many others. 

The name Akanthos itself has various explanations. One of them is that it came from the wild flower Akanthos, we also see it in many of the ancient building columns, belongs to the greek flora.

 

The plant called Akanthos

Korinthian style column

Tetradrachmon, ancient greek coin from the area of Ierissos 400-450B.C.

 In this pictures you can compare the plant itself with the Korinthian style of column.

  

The ancient Greek historian Thucidides cites Akanthos as a significant city. Xenophon, another ancient Greek historian, later affirms this "Great among those of Olynthos" (another ancient city in Chalkidiki - can you spot it on the map) in population and importance. The city was rich and fertile. Rich forest abounded, varied in wood, plenty of valley and pasture. The ground was rich in metals and even silver - many silver coins were cut in the city. Its postition was crucial as it overlooked two seas. 

It was attacked by the Persians during their campaign in Greece. The area had gone through many turbulations but it continued to thrive until it was destroyed in the 9th century A.D. by Sarakin pirates. The city was rebuilt in the end of the 9th century and and stood as a town by the name of Castle of Eressos - Eressos - Ierissos.

 

The archeological findings and graves leave no doubt that the ancient city lay where Ierissos was situated until 1932 A.D. when it was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt on a neighbouring site. (as shown above).

You should never forget that the proximity of the area to Mt. Athos and the sacred area of Agion Oros, the state of the monasteries, plays an important role to the economical aspect of the area in our times. 

A tourists' destination not only for its historical past and Agion Oros but also for the beauty of the landscape and the crystal clear waters, unique for summers holidays.

Fish, honey and many agricultural products characterise the market of the area.

  

What do you think of our place? You are most welcome to visit us one day.

This is a traditional local dance with a deeper significance for the history of this area. It is danced the third day of Easter, in a place called "Mavro aloni" (black threshing floor). It is for the remembrance of a very sad incident which happenned in Ierissos during the Greek Revolution in 1821.