An island-symbol of Greek freedom
Psara Island is one of the Aegean islands where history speaks loudly and shocks. It was the third naval force of the Greek Revolution of 1821 and is synonymous with self-sacrifice and rebellious soul. At the island’s landmark, Mavri Rachi, in June 1824, approximately 120 defenders chose heroic self-sacrifice by blowing up the powder keg where they were, rather than surrendering to the Ottomans. The event went down in history with the slogan: “Freedom or Death”.
Start your tour from the Mavri Rachi Monument, which dominates the hill of Paleokastro. At the foot of the hill, you will see the impressive Statue of Glory, which is inspired by the famous inscription of Solomos (On the pitch-black back of Psara / walking alone, Glory) and is crafted in white marble.
Then, look for the important monuments and sites that honour the fighters. The Convent of the Dormition of the Theotokos, built in 1780, played a defensive role during the Revolution and is a religious centre today. Rare manuscripts and liturgical books are preserved in its library.
In the central square of the settlement, you will find the Old Parliament – the Spitalia building, which functioned as a quarantine hospital. Next to it, you can see the busts of important Psarians, such as the firebrand Konstantinos Kanaris and Dimitrios Papanikolis, who honoured the island with their naval victories.
Do not miss to visit the cultural centre of Psara Island, the Kostantis Kotrozos Youth Centre - Library of the Municipality of Psara. One of its goals is to create copies of all kinds of archival material, in order to compensate for the loss of the archival wealth of 1824.
The annual celebration of the historical self-sacrifice of Psara is held with honours on January 27, offering a deeply moving experience of memory.
Start your tour from the Mavri Rachi Monument, which dominates the hill of Paleokastro. At the foot of the hill, you will see the impressive Statue of Glory, which is inspired by the famous inscription of Solomos (On the pitch-black back of Psara / walking alone, Glory) and is crafted in white marble.
Then, look for the important monuments and sites that honour the fighters. The Convent of the Dormition of the Theotokos, built in 1780, played a defensive role during the Revolution and is a religious centre today. Rare manuscripts and liturgical books are preserved in its library.
In the central square of the settlement, you will find the Old Parliament – the Spitalia building, which functioned as a quarantine hospital. Next to it, you can see the busts of important Psarians, such as the firebrand Konstantinos Kanaris and Dimitrios Papanikolis, who honoured the island with their naval victories.
Do not miss to visit the cultural centre of Psara Island, the Kostantis Kotrozos Youth Centre - Library of the Municipality of Psara. One of its goals is to create copies of all kinds of archival material, in order to compensate for the loss of the archival wealth of 1824.
The annual celebration of the historical self-sacrifice of Psara is held with honours on January 27, offering a deeply moving experience of memory.
