Mytilene

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Mytilene, or Mitilíni, is the capital of the Greek island of Lesbos and the region’s main city. It sits on the southeast edge of the island and is its largest settlement. The municipality covers 566.7 square kilometers and has about 59,000 people (2021). The Mytilene municipal unit has about 41,400 residents. The city is roughly 8 meters above sea level and has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate.

History and culture: Mytilene was founded in the 11th century BC and became a rich ancient city. Famous people from here include poets Sappho and Alcaeus, and the statesman Pittacus. It minted electrum coins. In 428 BC it rebelled against Athens; after a famous debate, many lives were spared. The city later came under Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Genoese, and Ottoman rule before Greece took control in 1912. The area has inspired writers like Longus, who wrote Daphnis and Chloe. Archaeology has uncovered a large ancient theatre and many other finds. There are two important archaeological museums near the harbors with mosaics, statues and inscriptions.

Today: Mytilene is a busy port city. Its harbor connects to Lemnos and Chios, and to Ayvalık and sometimes Dikili in Turkey. Ferries run to Piraeus, Athens, and Thessaloniki on the mainland. The city is known for ouzo, sardines from the Bay of Kalloni, olive oil and woodwork. It features many neoclassical buildings, including the Baroque Church of Saint Therapon at the port and the castle area.

Education: The University of the Aegean has its headquarters in Mytilene, with several university faculties located here.

Refugees: In 2015, Mytilene became a major entry point for refugees and migrants, with hundreds of thousands arriving on Lesbos that year. After EU-Turkey agreements, arrivals slowed, but some people still arrive.

Municipality: Since 2019, Mytilene is one of six municipal units on Lesbos. The city has its own local media, including Aeolos TV.