ABOUT MOLIVOS (MOLYVOS)

Molivos (Mithymna or Molyvos) at the northern tip of Lesvos is arguably the most beautiful village of the island with its picturesque harbour dominated by the castle and tiers of red-tiled stone houses climbing up the slopes away from the blue sea. At night, the flood lit castle turns the harbour into one of the most romantic places on earth, perfect for a special dinner-for-two.

According to mythology, Mithymna was one of the five daughters of the mythical King Makara. During the middle ages Mithymna takes on the name Molyvos or Molivos. The writing of Molyvos with an iota (i) could be considered the proper way to spell the name, if we were to accept the assumption that the stem of the word is the West European periphrastic denomination Mont d’ olives (mountain of olives).

The traditional architecture of the town reflects the modus vivendi and social life styles of the past. In 1965 the competent authorities put a preservation order on the entire settlement of Molyvos (Mithymna), thus declaring it a protected town.
Mithymna owns an archaeological collection with impressive findings from the surrounding area, and a library with a collection of over ten thousand volumes and manuscripts.

In the past, music was the beloved activity of the Mithymnian people. Arion was a brilliant poet who set music to verses like no other. Zeus, Dionysos and Hercules were especially worshipped. Virgile mentions that the grapes of Mithymna were unequalled in their aroma and nectars.

Since 1960, tourist development has played a critical role in the life and evolution of Molyvos. Every year a significant number of cultural events and conferences, both national and international, are held in Molyvos. Art exhibitions, lectures, theatrical performances and folklore events are held in the town.