Located in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, Spinalonga Island is a destination that easily intrigues visitors with its rich history, beauty and resilience among time. Spinalonga is known for its Venetian fortress and poignant past as a leper colony, offering a magnificent journey through time. It is an island with a significant strategic location in the ancient world, currently operating as a cherished cultural heritage site. It is a true testament to human transformation and endurance.
The historical root of Spinalonga begins in the 16th century, when Crete Island was ruled by the Venetians, who recognized the strategic location of this small island. In 1579, Venetians built a fortress in the island in order to protect Elounda bay and Crete in general from the Ottomans incursions. This included bastions, massive walls and positions for their artillery. This fortification made Spinalonga Island impregnable. It has been found that the island was not only a strategic fortress but also an organized community with churches, houses and marketplaces operating as a mini city just outside of Crete Island. Spinalonga played a critical role during the Venetian-Ottoman conflicts. The Island remained to the Venetians until 1715, when it finally fell to Ottomans after a prolonged seize. The island was still operating under the same rules, serving also as a military hub for the Ottomans.
Over the years the Island had a number of transformations although its prominence gradually declined. The most poignant chapter of Spinalonga began in 1903, when the island was designated as a place of exile, creating a leper colony. These years the leprosy was a feared and unknown disease. For this reason, the sufferers were forced to isolation in order to prevent the spread of infection. Spinalonga Island became this place of exile and medical care for those who were affected, creating again a small, unique community for the individuals that were shunned by society. The residents created schools, homes and even a hospital. The inhabitants were often forgotten by the rest world, an experience that helped them to form strong bonds. Spinalonga Island continued to operate as a leper colony, with resilience and solidarity, until 1957 when the medical advancements and treatment discoveries created strong antibiotics the led to their treatment and the closure of this facility. The facilities of the island remained abandoned and the visitors can now see and feel their haunting past.
Spinalonga Island is now a symbol of the Cretan heritage and perseverance. It was also declared as an archaeological site in 1970 due to its historical significance. Spinalonga is an open-air living museum available for visiting. In Spinalonga you can explore the remnants of the Venetian fortress wandering through the picturesque streets that reflect all the historicity of this leper colony. You can find a variety of guided tours that will provide you important insights of the daily life of the former inhabitants, being able to relive the island’s daily life.
Spinalonga island is a place that has inspired books, movies and documentaries recounting its story and connecting visitors with its legacy, history and beauty. This place is a living history from the ancient times to the leper colony and its current status as a cultural landmark worth visiting when in Crete. It is an adventurous trip through time, offering reflections of a unique past.
