History of Kalymnos

The history of the settlement of Kalymnos island dates back to ancient times, beginning with the Neolithic era. According to archaeological data, some of the first settlers were Carians who arrived from the coast of Asia Minor. In literary sources, the island is first mentioned in Homer's famous "Iliad" under the name "Kalydna". The poet describes the ships of the islanders setting sail for the shores of Troy, which testifies to the early development of seafaring in this region.

Key Factors of Development

• Geographical Conditions: The mountainous terrain and rocky soil, unsuitable for large-scale agriculture, forced the inhabitants to turn their gaze towards the sea. This determined the island's destiny as a centre for maritime trades.
• Maritime Trade: Its location in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea (Greece) allowed the island to remain part of the important trade routes of antiquity, connecting various civilizations of the Mediterranean.
• Political Structure: In ancient times, several independent settlements (demes) existed on the island, which eventually consolidated. Kalymnos often fell within the sphere of influence of major city-states, such as Argos, yet maintained its cultural distinctiveness.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic identity of Kalymnos formed around a unique trade — sponge diving. This occupation, which originated in antiquity, became not just a source of income but also a vital part of the cultural code of the locals, earning them fame as skilled divers throughout the Mediterranean.

Beyond the "gold of the sea", the island was renowned for its beekeeping. Fragrant thyme honey from the local slopes was highly valued in the ancient world and served as an important export commodity. Spiritual life in the early period was centred around the cult of Apollo, whose temple was the island's main religious and social hub.

Major Historical Milestones

• 12th century BC — The island of Kalymnos, under the name Kalydna, is mentioned in Homer's "Iliad" as a participant in the Trojan War on the side of the Achaeans.
• 477 BC — Entry into the First Athenian League (Delian League) for protection against Persian expansion.
• 2nd century BC — Transition under the protectorate of Rome; the island retains some autonomy but suffers from frequent pirate raids.
• 554 AD — A devastating earthquake that forever changed the geography of the island, separating a portion of land — the current islet of Telendos.
• 7th century AD — Intensification of Arab expansion in the Aegean Sea, forcing residents to abandon coastal areas and take refuge in the fortified settlement of Kastro.
• 1306 — Establishment of the rule of the Knights of St. John (Hospitallers), who built and strengthened several castles for the defence of the island.
• 1522 — Conquest of the archipelago by the Ottoman Empire; locals secured privileges and self-governance thanks to their mastery of sponge diving.
• 1912 — Beginning of Italian occupation during the Italo-Turkish War, bringing changes to architecture and infrastructure.
• 1935 — "Petropolemos" (The Stone War) — an uprising of the population against attempts by the Italian administration to restrict religious freedoms.
• 1943 — Occupation by German forces during World War II following the capitulation of Italy.
• 7 March 1948 — Official reunification of the Dodecanese islands with the state of Greece.
• 1986 — A sponge disease epidemic that undermined the traditional economy and accelerated the reorientation towards tourism.
• 1990s — Discovery of unique rock routes, transforming the island into one of the most popular rock-climbing destinations in the world.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of the formation of the modern appearance of the city and island of Kalymnos is a journey from a closed community of divers to a world-renowned tourist centre. The main milestones of development reflect the ability of local residents to adapt to changing economic and political conditions.

• The "Golden Age" of Sponge Diving (19th – mid-20th century): This period became the foundation of economic prosperity. Revenues from sponge exports allowed for the formation of a wealthy middle class and merchant class, directly influencing the social structure and standard of living.
• Architectural Flourishing of Pothia (late 19th century): Thanks to the influx of capital, the island's capital was transformed. Modest dwellings were replaced by majestic mansions in the Neoclassical style, which today form the recognizable façade of the city waterfront and stand as the main architectural heritage.
• Infrastructure Modernisation (1912–1943): During the period of Italian administration, the foundation of the modern road network was laid, and significant administrative buildings were constructed. This urban planning intervention organised the chaotic development and improved connectivity between settlements.
• Political and Cultural Integration (1948): Reunification with the state of Greece opened access to national development programmes, the education system, and state funding, which contributed to economic stabilization in the post-war years.
• Crisis of the Mono-industry (1986): The epidemic that destroyed sponge populations became a turning point. The economic shock forced the city to seek new paths for development, moving away from exclusive reliance on maritime trade in favour of the service sector.
• Territorial Rebranding (late 1990s): The discovery of the unique rock relief for sports tourism turned the location into a mecca for climbers from around the globe. This decision allowed the tourist season to be extended to 8–9 months a year, ensuring stable income for small businesses.
• Transport Breakthrough (2006): The construction and opening of the national airport radically improved logistics. Direct air links with Athens simplified the arrival of tourists, who previously depended exclusively on ferry services and weather conditions.

The architectural appearance of the island's capital, the city of Pothia, and smaller settlements was formed under the influence of a turbulent history and changing rulers. Unlike the typical "white and blue" Cycladic architecture, Kalymnos welcomes travellers with a riot of colours and a variety of styles, from medieval fortresses to elegant 19th-century mansions.

Urban Planning Features

The main port of the island, Pothia, is built on the principle of an amphitheatre. Buildings cascade down the steep slopes to the waterfront, creating a dense and picturesque development. Narrow cobbled streets ("sokakia") wind between the houses, following the natural terrain. Historically, this layout provided protection from winds and allowed for the conservation of scarce land suitable for construction.

Main Architectural Eras and Styles

The island's development represents a layering of several cultural strata, each corresponding to a specific period in the history of the state of Greece and the Dodecanese archipelago:

• Byzantine and Knightly Period (Defensive Architecture): In an era of constant raids from the sea, life was concentrated in fortified settlements on high ground. A prime example is the Castle of Chora (Megalo Kastro), where remains of dense residential buildings within the fortress walls, water cisterns, and small churches have been preserved.
• Neoclassicism (19th – early 20th century): The "Golden Age" of sponge diving brought colossal wealth to the island. Local merchants and captains built luxurious two- and three-storey mansions ("archontika") with triangular pediments, wrought-iron balconies, and tiled roofs. The façades of such houses are traditionally painted in ochre, terracotta, and blue tones.
• Italian Style (1912–1943): The period of Italian presence left a noticeable mark on administrative architecture. Buildings from this time are distinguished by monumentality, elements of Venetian style, eclecticism, and early rationalism. They often stand out against the background of traditional residential buildings due to their scale and arched galleries.

Landmark Buildings

The city's appearance is shaped by several key structures that have become hallmarks of the island and reflect its development:

• Vouvalis Mansion: A magnificent example of urban architecture from the heyday of the sponge trade. This is a wealthy residence with painted ceilings and European furniture, now functioning as a museum.
• The Eparchy Building: An administrative complex at the port, built by Italian architects. It combines elements of colonial style and serves as the visual centre of the waterfront.
• Monastery of Saint Savvas: Located on a hilltop above the port, this complex is an example of traditional church architecture with Byzantine motifs. Its cross-shaped domes and stone masonry dominate the city panorama.

Distinguished Personalities of Kalymnos

The history of the island of Kalymnos is inextricably linked with the names of people who brought it fame far beyond the archipelago. From mythical heroes to benefactors and saints, these personalities shaped the unique character of the local culture.

• Phidippus and Antiphus (12th century BC)
  Mythological kings and military commanders.
  According to Homer's "Iliad", these grandsons of Heracles led a fleet of 30 ships that set sail from the islands of Kalydna (the ancient name for Kalymnos) to the Trojan War. They symbolise the region's ancient maritime traditions.
• Nikolaos Vouvalis (1859–1918)
  Sponge merchant and great benefactor.
  Creator of an international sponge trading network with branches in London and Trieste. He used his funds to build schools, hospitals, and shelters, and his mansion is today one of the capital's main attractions.
• Saint Savvas the New (1862–1948)
  Patron of the island, Orthodox saint.
  He spent the last 20 years of his life at the Monastery of All Saints above the port of Pothia, where he engaged in icon painting and spiritual mentorship. He is revered as a wonderworker, and thousands of pilgrims from all over Greece flock to his relics annually.
• Skevos Zervos (1875–1966)
  Surgeon, scientist, and politician.
  Known as the "Father of the Dodecanese". As a distinguished doctor and professor at the University of Athens, he dedicated his life to the diplomatic struggle for the liberation of the islands from foreign rule and their reunification with the homeland.
• Michael Sakellariou (1912–2014)
  Historian and academic.
  A native of the island who became one of the world's leading specialists in ancient history and historical geography. His works made a huge contribution to the understanding of the ancient period of the Aegean region.