Mytilini's Monuments
Statue of Liberty
Mytilini also has it's very own 'Statue of Liberty'!.
A young Greek sailed on a ship to America. He was very poor. Upon his arrival in the port of New York he was smitten with the Statue of Liberty which he saw as his symbol of hope. His first rented rooms in the new city overlooked the statue and he vowed that one day, if he made enough money, he would return to his native Mytilini and build a statue for his beloved town. His dream came true and here she is today!
The statue guards the shores of the North harbour. In the background of the picture above you can just see the famous castle nestling on the hill, the castle is one of the largest remaining fortifications in Europe and is well worth a visit.
Yeni Tzami Mosque
Yeni Tzami (Mosque) is located in the middle of an area that in the past constituted the Turkish market and which today is known as Epano Skala, in Mytilene.
It was built by Naziri Moustafa Aga Koulaxizi in the third decade of the 19th century and constitutes the biggest as well as the most recent Islamic temple of the city.
Its architectural type is based on that of an aisleless cruciform, with an upper floor in the north side. In its interior, parts of an initially rich mural decoration can still be seen.
In summers the mosque functions as an exhibition place for the work of mainly Lesbian artists. In 2000 restoration works have commenced in the monument.
