The Ancient Temple of Klopedi - Agia Paraskevi's Historical Site

1. General Information
2. Nearby Attractions

General Information

Located a few kilometers northwest of the beautiful village of Agia Paraskevi, the ancient temple of Klopedi is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the entirety of Lesvos. The temple, which historians believe was dedicated to Apollo, was originally built in the 8th century before taking its final shape in the middle of the 6th century BC. Excavation work on the site revealed the ruins of two ancient structures, a small temple and a much larger building adorned by tall, graceful columns and 46 uniquely decorative capitals.

The ancient temple of Klopedi is definitely worth visiting: its significance as a major example of ancient architecture is indisputable and it remains the only Aeolian building to have been discovered in Greece.

Referenced in each and every volume on the architecture of ancient temples, the ancient temple of Klopedi is set apart by its striking capitals, all 46 of which are gloriously adorned by a pair of large helixes that spiral around a central ‘anthemion’ (a decorative element in the shape of a plant). Their elegance has been deemed a characteristic example of the ancient art of Lesvos while columns of a similar kind have been discovered in other Aeolian cities in Asia Minor.

To have a view of the uniquely graceful capitals of the temple of Klopedi, make the journey to Mytilene and pay a visit to the Archaeological Museum of the city. The Museum is housed in two separate buildings: the former Vournazos family mansion (the ‘Old’ building of the Museum) and the modern Museum premises, which were constructed as recently as 1995 and are commonly described as the ‘New’ Museum building. The 46 glorious capitals of Klopedi may be observed in the ‘Old’ building of the Museum, together with a range of late Neolithic and Copper Age findings and items dating from the 10th century BC to the 4th century AD. Opening times are between 08.00 am and 15.00 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. A full ticket is priced at 3.00 euros (2.00 euro concessions available) and will give you access to both the ‘Old’ and the ‘New’ building of the Archaeological Museum of Mytilene.

Nearby Attractions

If you do find yourself in central Lesvos, make sure to have a tour of the splendidly beautiful village of Agia Paraskevi and then proceed to discover the archaeology lying in wait in the vicinity of the village. The broader region includes a variety of sites of archaeological interest, besides which, the landscape is amazingly green.

Those willing to venture a few kilometers outside the village will encounter the ancient temple of Meson, an ancient site of religious worship and a meeting point for the entirety of early Lesvian cities. Dedicated to the gods Zeus, Hera and Dionysus, the temple dates from the 3rd century BC. With the advent of Christianity, a basilica was constructed in the eastern side of the temple while, in the Byzantine era, a chapel dedicated to Taxiarchis (the Archangel Michael) was erected in order to replace the original early Christian temple.

If you travel three kilometers east of Agia Paraskevi, you will arrive at the location of ‘Mili’ (Mills). Splendidly green, the area is ideal for a leisurely walk in the overgrown scenery and amidst the ruins of the four old water mills that lent it its name. Also in the vicinity of the village, the stone-built Kremasti Bridge reaches a height of 8.5 meters and strides the stream of Tsiknias. The bridge was built in the Middle Ages and, according to rumor, the material used in its construction was extracted from the ancient temple of Klopedi.