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Modern Description: From here the road climbs into wilder, more barren landscape. After passing through a defile, wide views over the sea to the south open out. At 6.5km from Mandráki is the whitewashed monastery of Stavrós. Although deserted today, the monastery is built on the site of one of the ancient settlements of Nisyros (possibly named ‘Argos'); in subsequent centuries an Early Christian basilica and then a mediaeval castle were all built here. Stretches of early polygonal walling, marble fragments, an Early Christian water-stoup and mediaeval masonry can all be seen within the complex which, in spite of its interest, has attracted little concerted archaeological attention. Beyond Stavrós, the road descends into the multi-colour landscape of the volcanic caldera, this time from the south rim.
Wikidata ID: Q56450494

Info: McGilchrist's Greek Islands

(From McGilchrist’s Greek Islands, © Nigel McGilchrist 2010, excerpted with his gracious permission. Click for the books)

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