Léros played an important strategic role in the Aegean, due to its central position and deep, protected bays. The dictionary “Babiniótis” informs us that its name probably comes from the word “levrós”, which means “smooth”. This name appeared in the 6th century BC (in inscriptions dating from that era). A settlement that was unearthed in Parthéni provides evidence that the island was inhabited since 4500BC. Homer called the island, together with N. Kálymnos, the “Kalýdnai nísoi” and writes that they sent ships to Troy.
In later years Léros was captured and colonised by the Dorians, who were followed by the Iones. After the Persian wars, Léros was a member of the Athenian Allies, but came into Spartan hands around the end of the 5th century BC, during the Pelopónnisian war. Léros is the birthplace of the ancient poet Dimódikos as well as of the historian Pherekýdis. There are remains of a temple to a goddess (some say Ártemis, as the island was known as the island of goddess Ártemis) in Parthéni, ancient fortifications in Xirókampos (Palaiókastro) and a settlement from the 7th century BC in Agía Marína.
The island later followed the fate of the remaining Dodekánisa, i.e. Roman Rule, Byzantine, Frankish Rule (14th and 15th century) and Turkish Rule (16th up until 19th century). In 1912 the island came into the hands of the Italians, who built a nautical base and unique buildings that still charm even today. In 1948, the island was reunited with Mother Greece.
The climate is mild and the average temperature during summer is 26°C and 17°C during winter. There are many interesting events (cultural, artistic) organised each summer.
Agía Marína, along with Plátanos on its outskirts, completes the capital of the island (Plátanos is the official capital). Most of its houses were built at the beginning of the 20th century and the archaeological findings in “Broútzi” show that the ancient town, which started in the area of the Castle, reached up to here. The Byzantine Castle (built on the ruins of the ancient citadel of the 7th century BC) provides Agia Marína shelter with its shadow and completes a conspicuous landmark.
Sightseeing: Go up to admire the Castle and visit the church of Panagía, which dominates over all the others (it has beautiful murals, a rare art icon of Panagía thought to be miraculous, a very beautiful ecclesiastic collection and a bell of bronze and silver, made by Russian technicians in the age of the Tsar).
Celebrations: On the 17th July is the feast of Agia Marína, the feast of the Panagía of the Castle with its great celebration held on the 15th August and the wine fête (first fortnight in August).
Flavours: Mainly seafood but also very nice meat. Try “diasógalo” (soft drink) and the “poungákia” sweets (like those in Pátmos).
During the Italian rule of the Dodekánisa (first half of the 20th century), Lakki bay was chosen for a naval station. The shape of the area completely changed since then. Wide roads, beautiful buildings and parks with trees make for a town that is pleasant to look at. The curved line of buildings instead of the normal corners is softer on the eye.
The Greek torpedo boat “Vasílissa Ólga” was sunk here during a raid of German airplanes in 1943. A monument has been erected here (on the small pier with the slip) in memory of the sailors who were lost.
Sightseeing: The public buildings of Italian rule have remained and among the churches that stand out for their historic interest are Agios Ioánnis of Theológos (the mosaics date from the 11th century), which stands on the road towards Goúrna bay and Ágios Nikólaos in the town.
Celebrations: Cultural events take place all summer long.
