Sykamia

Sykamnia is a semi-mountainous village on the northeastern tip of Lesvos, 49 km northwest of Mytilene. The village owes its name to the many mulberry trees (sycamores) in the area, and is surrounded by pines, plane trees and olives. It has been listed as a traditional settlement and stands out for its cobbled lanes, public fountains and 19th-century stone mansions. It is the birthplace of writer Stratis Myrivilis, whose statue dominates the main entrance to the village. In the square stands an old mulberry tree known as “Myrivilis’ Mulberry,” because he used to sit there. The village also has a folklore museum housed in the school building with a collection of Myrivilis’ belongings. In Skala Sykamnias, the main attraction is the Church of Panagia Gorgona (Our Lady the Mermaid), a small chapel built atop a rock. The name comes from a folk fresco depicting the Virgin with a mermaid’s tail.