Spinalonga: A Fortified Legacy and Resilient Community

Spinalonga is a small island located in the Gulf of Elounda in northeastern Crete. Known for its rich history and cultural significance, Spinalonga has become a popular tourist destination. Here's an overview of this intriguing island:

  1. Historical Background:

    • Originally, Spinalonga was a Venetian fortress built in the early 17th century to protect the eastern part of Crete from Ottoman invasions. The island's strategic location allowed it to control the entrance to the natural harbor of Elounda.
  2. Access and Tours:

    • Visitors can reach Spinalonga by boat from the nearby town of Elounda. Guided tours provide informative narratives about the island's history, allowing visitors to appreciate the layers of its past.
    • Visitors can purchase tickets for boat tours either in advance or on-site. During peak tourist seasons, it's advisable to check for availability and make reservations, especially for guided tours.
    • Boat tours to Spinalonga are typically available during the tourist season, which runs from spring to autumn. The frequency of tours may vary based on weather conditions and demand.
  3. Venetian Fortress:

    • The Venetians constructed strong defensive walls and bastions on Spinalonga, turning it into a formidable fortress. The architecture reflects the military engineering of the time, with well-preserved structures still visible today.
  4. Ottoman Rule:

    • After the Venetians, the Ottomans took control of Crete. However, Spinalonga remained under Venetian rule until the late 19th century, becoming one of the last Venetian outposts on the island.
  5. Leper Colony:

    • In the early 20th century, Spinalonga gained new significance as a leper colony. Leprosy was a feared and misunderstood disease at the time, and Spinalonga was chosen as a place to isolate individuals affected by the illness.
  6. Life on Spinalonga:

    • The leper colony on Spinalonga operated from 1903 to 1957. During this period, the inhabitants created a community with houses, shops, and even a hospital. Despite the challenges, residents formed strong bonds, and the island became a place of resilience.
  7. Desertion and Tourism:

    • As advancements in leprosy treatment rendered isolation unnecessary, the leper colony was abandoned in 1957. The island lay uninhabited until it gained popularity as a tourist attraction due to its unique history and well-preserved structures.
  8. Cultural Heritage:

    • Spinalonga has been recognized as a site of cultural significance, and its history is preserved for visitors to explore. The island provides insights into both the military history of Venetian rule and the more recent social history of the leper colony.
  9. Literary Connection:

    • The island gained additional fame through the novel "The Island" by Victoria Hislop, which tells the fictionalized story of a family affected by leprosy on Spinalonga. The novel has brought further attention to the island's history.
  10. UNESCO Recognition:

    • While not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Spinalonga is recognized for its historical and cultural significance. It stands as a testament to the resilience of communities facing historical challenges.