Astipalea

Astipalea

Greece
South Aegean Sea
island of Astipalea
(The Astipalean series are dedicated to Christine L.)

Astipalea is a tiny island in south Aegean Sea belonging in the Dodecanesian complex.It was inhabited since 2500 BC.During the Roman occupation it was a place for exile but Pliny the Elder reports that Rome accorded Astipalea the status of a free state.During the years the island was seized by numerous conquerors. Romans, Byzantines,Venetians, Ottomans, Italians all left their traces of civilization till, eventually, in 1948 it became part of the Greek state.
It is mostly rocky and bare with less than 1000 inhabitants who struggle to survive during the hard winter months with a boat reaching the island only once a week and if weather conditions permit it.They are patiently waiting for the summer months to come and get a push from the tourists. Yet, the island has beautiful shores and a capital Chora among the prittiest in Aegean as it crawls uphill to the imposing Venetian castle on top.