Margarita Pournara writes in the newspaper "Η Kathimerini":
Ιmagine going on a historical journey through the Greek islands. Crete tells you stories about the Minoans, Santorini and Akrotiri reveal secrets of the early Cycladic civilization, Naxos shares tales of the kouroi, while the Dodecanese castles whisper about the Knights. Chios narrates the Genoese chapter, and Corfu unfolds the Venetian legacy. But if you want to dive into a crucial part of World War II history, Leros is the place to be.
Picture this: during a leisurely autumn walk, you gaze upon the bay in Lakki, pondering the past. It was here that the submarine “Delfino” departed to sink the “Elli” on August 15, 1940, marking a pivotal moment. The remnants of the ship “Queen Olga” and the British “Intrepid,” sunk 81 years ago, stand as silent witnesses to the Dodecanese Campaign’s beginning. The Italian naval base that once thrived here left behind a treasure trove of military architecture, later repurposed for various uses.
Amidst this historical tapestry lies a town, a gem of Rationalist style built in the 1930s, boasting enduring structures like a hospital, school, market, cinema-theatre, church, hotel, and homes. However, for many, the island was synonymous with the psychiatric hospital that stood out as a dominant feature for years, employing many islanders. This overshadowed the island’s rich history, leaving a gap in knowledge.
How can we shed light on Leros’ diverse past, encompassing ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Byzantium, Ottoman rule, Italian occupation, and reunification with Greece? How can we preserve the fading monuments and neglected Italian-built structures? Lambros Syntosis, a nutrition professor from America with roots in Epirus, found the answer. Alongside other passionate individuals, they formed the Leros Historical Society to safeguard the island’s heritage.
Their efforts focus on not just the prominent buildings but also the humble structures left to decay. By cataloging gun batteries and collaborating with the municipality and the URBACT program, they aim to raise awareness and preserve Leros’ historical treasures. Their website dedicated to the island’s military history is a step towards educating the younger generation and the community at large. Plans to restore the old telecommunications building as a historical hub signal a promising future for Leros and its captivating past.
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