The island of lepers

The island of lepers

Greece
South Aegean Sea
island of Spinalonga, the island of lepers

Spinalonga is an island at the southest end of Aegean Sea just few miles away from the North East coast of Creta.Due to its priviledged location it has been since the very ancient times occupational target of naval states and pirates aiming also to the rich mines of salt in the island.In the 13th century the island became an important Venetian naval base shielded with strong fortifications and an emblematic castle that prevented any hostile disembarcation. The Venetian occupation ended in 1714 when the island fell in Ottoman hands and became a stronghold of piracy and slavery. After the Greek uprisal of 1821 and the Independance war(1821-1828) continued to remain under Ottoman occupation till1912 when it finally became greek territory together with the island of Creta.
From 1903 to 1957 the island was used to house the leper colonyand became notable as one of the last active colonies in Europe.The last leper inhabitant left the island in 1962 and since then the island remains virtually deserted serving also as atourist attraction with boats from Creta. There are many surviving Venetian relics together with the imposing castle at the shore.The status of Spinalonga as a universal heritage site is ongoing with action for the island to be designated as a world heritage site.