Tsimandria

The name of the village Tsimandria is thought to derive from the expression “sti(s) mandres,” meaning “at the sheepfolds,” indicating the presence of many pastoral installations in the area. From the late Byzantine period and for centuries thereafter, the area experienced intense monastic activity. A special date in the village’s history is October 8, 1912, when Tsimandria became the first village on Lemnos to welcome Greek soldiers after their landing at nearby Vourlidia. Residents proudly point out the bridge near the school where the Greek flag was raised for the first time. During World War I (1915), British soldiers and men from Britain’s colonies who took part in the Gallipoli campaign were hosted in the village, while in 1918–1921 residents offered help to Russian exiles and soldiers of Wrangel’s Army. In 1935, the characteristic covered fountain in the square was built, while in the same period cotton cultivation began and the “Kechayiades” Association was founded, which to this day helps preserve and promote Lemnos’ traditional music, dances, songs, and costume.