Sanctuary of Artemis at Avlona

Artemis was the patron goddess of Myrina, and her sanctuary, uncovered on the site of today’s Porto Myrina Hotel, is one of the most important ancient cult centers on Lemnos. Excavations (1991–1993) brought to light a large paved courtyard surrounded by auxiliary rooms for priests’ needs, as well as a double enclosure with two entrances, toward the city and the sea—perhaps indicating a small harbor. The site included wells for ritual ceremonies and special chambers, likely for mystery rites or the initiation of devotees. The sanctuary functioned for more than eight centuries, from the Archaic to the Hellenistic period, yielding a wealth of finds: pottery, figurines, unguentaria, jewelry, even remains of a sacrificed bull, paralleling similar cults in Attica. Its long use and strategic location make it a valuable source of knowledge on Lemnos’ religious and social life.