Kea
Population: 2,455 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
Kea is a verdant island and yet has a different landscape and architecture than its Cycladic counterparts. Kea doesn’t have the little whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches of its neighbours, instead, it is characterized by earthy tones and elegant architecture.
The capital of Kea, is Ioulida, a beautiful village built at high altitude (for fear of pirates) which emits a relaxing vibe, thanks to its traditional architecture and a complete ban on cars. Here you will find a Medieval castle, a relic from the Venetian era and an Archaeological Museum.
Other major villages of Kea are the port of Korissia and the fishing village of Vourkari.
After suffering depopulation for many decades, Kea has recently been rediscovered by Athenians as a convenient destination for weekend city breaks and yachting trips. It is also a destination for exploring nature and scuba diving, with excellent visibility, rich marine life, and wall, cavern and some great wreck diving.
Ferries from Athens to Kea depart from Lavrion port in Athens and arrive at the island in about an hour.
The Island & Its History
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Kea, is the location of a Bronze Age settlement, at the site now called Ayia Irini, which reached its height in the Late Minoan and Early Mycenaean eras (1600-1400 BC).
The island is known for an ancient stone-carved lion, known as the Lion of Ioulis which was carved sometime prior to 600 BC
During the Byzantine period, many churches were built and the prosperity of the island rose. It was Byzantine until, in 1204 when it was captured by the Venetians. It was then taken from the Venetians by the Ottoman Turks in 1537, until in 1821, along with the rest of the Cyclades, Kea joined Greece.
The largest ship sunk in World War I, the HMHS Britannic, a sister ship of the RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic, sank off Kea island in November 1916, having hit a mine, with the loss of thirty lives.
Prayer Points
- The people on the island will realize their need for God and their eyes will be opened to the truth and love of God through reading the Bible for themselves.
- The Lord will work in the lives of all the God-fearing religious people already living on this island, and bring healing & refreshment to their lives.
ADOPT THIS ISLAND
If you are committed to praying for this island and its region, please drop us a note, we would love to know about it and keep you posted with prayer updates!
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