Spinalonga, Greece: Off The Beaten Path
Right off the shore of north-eastern Crete, standing tall in the Gulf of Elounda, Spinalonga is a small, rugged islet that has earned the name “Island of the Outcasts,” due to its rocky past. With a difficult history, full of love and pain, Spinalonga is still a beautiful spot to learn, reflect, and explore.
As a natural protective barrier for the port of Elounda, Spinalonga was fortified by the Venetians in 1579 with a strong fortress sitting atop of ancient ruins. Attempting to ward off Ottoman pirates didn’t last long; the island fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1715. In 1904, the Cretans evicted the Turks, creating a space to keep the most vulnerable in society.
© Error 420 | Unsplash
Perhaps the most well known portion of this small island’s history took place within 54 years; from 1903 to 1957, Spinalonga was used as a leper colony. While many of the people with leprosy lived in caves away from society, the Cretan government relocated over 400 leprosy-affected citizens to Spinalonga at a time. With poor living conditions, the colony residents had to fight for basic rights including ability to marry, open shops, and have access to a pathway beyond the fortress walls.
With a cure for leprosy developed in the early 1940s, it is curious that the island continued functioning as a colony until 1957. Although its story is hard to swallow, Spinalonga is continuing to tell it. Along with the warm breeze, the clear blue waters and spectacular views, Spinalonga also offers a story of pain, redemption, and beauty.
Featured image: © Error 420 | Unsplash