TOWNS & VILLAGES Of LESVOS

MANDAMADOS

The small town of Mandamados (36 km from Mytilene) is where the Lesvian traditions and religious fervour meet. The pinnacle is the holly worship of the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of Lesvos. The revered Byzantine Monastery of Archangel Michael, the patron saint of the town and island, is situated just outside the town in a wooded area. It was first  mentioned in 1661 in an ecclesiastical document. It’s one of the most venerated pilgrimages of the island attracting pilgrims from all over the world. 

The present church built in 1879, following the style of a three-aisled basilica is the third one build in the same location. The sculpted icon of Taxiarches is kept in a luxurious canopy dated since 1766, by the temple, According to tradition it was made by the only surviving novice monk with soil and the blood of the monks who were slaughtered by the invading Saracen pirates who destroyed the Monastery in 1462.

The Episcopal Vestment of Ecumenical Patriarch Gregory V, who was put to death by the Turks is kept at the Monastery. The vestment is a national and religious treasure. There is also a gold-embroidered stole dating from 1656, as well as old bibles and a collection of religious books. Many of the icons are of the 16^th century.

Even though the monastery complex develops parametrically around the church, adding a fort-like appearance to it, the general atmosphere around it is one of reverence and tranquillity. It is further enhanced by the giant gold covered figure of the Archangel standing guard at the entrance of the Monastery, inside the gate. Outside of the monastery, in the golden sunlight you can sit at the well-ordered café and enjoy a cool drink in total peace.

Of folklore interest is the custom of the bull's slaughter, which takes place on the anniversary of the church's inauguration and the cooking of the festive dish kiskek in huge cauldrons, for the pilgrims to share.

The Church of Agios Vassilios (build in 1750), dominating the town centre is also worth visiting. Its carved wooden icon screen, portrays scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

For the locals the art of pottery is still alive with several active pottery workshops. Every year in the summer a Ceramics Workshop and an annual exhibition of Lesvian ceramists takes place here, during the whole month of August and brings together all the ceramists from all over Lesvos, in order to exhibit their work and be accessible to the public. The visitor has the possibility not only to admire the exhibits, but to observe how they are made according to the rules of the early pottery era, but also to learn a lot of things regarding the history and the development of this art throughout the centuries.

Dairy products are also another speciality of the area with a Cheese Festival taking place at the Cultural Centre, during the first ten days of August.