Astypalea
Population: 1,334 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
Astypalea is the westernmost island of Dodecanese, and connects the Cyclades with the Dodecanese group of islands. The island covers an area of 97 km2. The shape of Astypalea looks like a butterfly. It is like two small islands connected with a narrow piece of land. The tallest peak is Vardia (482m) while the coastline has with a lot of bays, pebble beaches and some caves.
The island’s capital, Chora, is built on a hill, the architecture is more Cycladic than Dodecanese with white washed houses and narrow alleyways. Here you will find most amenities, hotels and tavernas. On the top of the hill overlooking the town, sits Querini castle, a vestige of the Venetian era. This castle used to protect the island during medieval times, but now it is the main attraction of Astypalea.
A new port has been built on Agios Andreas and the ferries arrive and leave from here.
There are ferry connections between Astypalea and Piraeus port, and from Naxos, Amorgos, Paros, Donoussa, Rhodes and Tilos.
The Island & Its History
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Until 1207, Astypalea belonged to the Byzantines and was then conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1522. Where it generally remained until 1912.
On April 12, 1912, during the Italo-Turkish War, it became the first island of the Dodecanese to be occupied by Italy. From there the Italians landed on Rhodes. The island remained under Italian governance until World War II.
In 1947 it became part of Greece, along with the rest of the Dodecanese island group.
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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