Kynthos
Population: 669 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
Kythnos is situated in the Western part of the Cyclades, just South of Athens.
The island has two significant settlements, the village of Messaria or Kythnos, population 561 and known locally as Chora, and the village of Dryopis or Dryopida, population 325. Both villages are notable for their winding and often stepped streets which are too narrow for vehicles. Chora has a large Greek Orthodox Church.
Loutra Kythnos, one of the most popular Kythnos villages, is known for its thermal springs. Rich in iron and sulphur. Although the large tourist hotel has been closed for several years, the bathhouse is still functioning, and visitors may soak in its marble tubs for a modest fee.
The port town is called Merichas, its population significantly fluctuating during the year. Before the 1970s, there were no year-round residents, but today there is a growing year-round population.
Due to its proximity to Athens, Kythnos has become a fashionable setting for holiday homes, but is not yet overdeveloped.
It is also the site of one of the largest caves in Greece, Katafiki Cave in Dryopida. This cave, first visited in the 1830s has unique rock curtains and was the site of an iron mine until 1939.
There is a regular ferry connection between Kythnos and Athens which takes about 3 hours.
The Island & Its History
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Kythnos is one of the oldest known habitations in the Cycladic islands, a Mesolithic settlement (10000 BCE – 8000 BCE) at Maroulas on the northeast coast. The site, close to the village of Loutra, is situated on the shore, and large portions have eroded into the sea. Excavations in 1996 found intact human skeletons, along with stone artefacts and part of a floor pavement, which indicates a long-term settlement.
Most of its population succumbed to the plague in 1823, and yet it was one of the first islands to revolt against the Turks and join mainland Greece in its fight for independence.
In the 19th century, Kythnians mainly earned their living as they had for centuries before: as shepherds or by fishing. The island had few natural resources and, lacking a deep-water mooring for boats, was relatively inaccessible.
Then iron ore was discovered on the island and Kythnians were able to supplement their meager incomes by working in the mines. However after World War II the population of the island again went into decline.
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.
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