Pothia

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Pothia

Pothia or Pothea is the capital and the main port of Kalymnos. It is a densely populated settlement with houses amphitheatrically built, all facing the sea, separated by narrow alleys. It is located close to Chorio or Chora, the old capital of Kalymnos. Pothia began to develop rapidly in the early 1850s when pirate raids decreased, allowing the inhabitants to build their homes outside the castle, near the sea. Today, Pothia is the administrative and commercial center of Kalymnos where almost all public services are found.

The Italian influence is evident in many buildings of the city as in most cities of the Dodecanese islands. However, there are also many buildings, mainly traditional ones with  features.of neoclassical architecture. Most of them are located in the districts of Ypapanti, Evangelistria, Agios Theologos and Patithries. The monastery of Agios Savvas dominates the west side of the port and offers magnificent views of the town. A short distance southwest of Pothia lies Therma, an area with thermal springs with healing properties.

The Archaeological Museum exhibits important finds that have been discovered in the seabed, highlighting the important history of the island from Prehistoric to Byzantine times. Equally important is the Naval Museum which presents the rich naval tradition of Kalymnos, the history of sponge fishing and sponge diving techniques. There are also objects of ancient shipwrecks on display. The Mansion house of the Vouvali family, is a typical example of the island's urban architecture and serves as a museum. On the waterfront, stands the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Savoir with its magnificent marble iconostasis, made by the great sculptor Giannoulis Halepas. Many of the churches in Pothia and in Kalymnos in general, are adorned with works by great local painters such as S. Maglis, M. Alachouzou, G. T. Kourouni, N. Magou, T. Billiri, E. Chouli and S. Pizania.