World’s ‘most beautiful town’ in stunning lagoon only accessed by two bridges
Home-proud locals frequently compare the stunning town of Aitoliko, which is situated on an island between two lagoons in western Greece, to a miniature version of Venice.
The island’s economy, which supports a population of about 1,200 people, is mostly based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. This lovely island stands out from others in the area thanks to its distinctive layout.
One of the island’s most distinctive features is the vast network of canals. Given how much these canals resemble the well-known canals of Venice, Italy, Aitoliko Island has acquired the moniker “Little Venice” as a result.
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These canals provide functional reasons, such as flood control during times of heavy rain and providing a habitat for a variety of fish and bird species, in addition to their visual value.
The southern lagoon eventually empties into the Ionian Sea. The Mesolongi-Aitoliko Lagoon National Park also boasts a diverse range of plant and animal life, with a notable abundance of 290 bird species and over 100 fish species.
Aitoliko Island’s narrow lanes also consist of a network of pathways and bridges.
The stunning town’s historic quarter sits tucked between two lagoons and is connected to the mainland by bridges on either side.
The island is perfect for exploring on foot because of its tiny size and lack of traffic. While the bridges cross the canals to provide access to various portions of the island, the walkways connect the many communities and tourist destinations on the island.
The Missolonghi Lagoon, once known as Lake Kynia in ancient times, is located to the south of the Aitoliko Lagoon, which stretches towards Stamna.
Aitoliko Island features a variety of historic structures and landmarks in addition to its canals and walks.
The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a magnificent 17th-century church with elaborate murals, is located on the island’s main plaza.
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The bell tower’s stunning panoramas of the island are available. The ruins of a Venetian castle and the traditional homes distinguished by their distinctive red-tiled roofs are two more noteworthy sights.
Aitoliko Island has built a remarkable and useful infrastructure despite its small size and little resources, which not only enhances the island’s beauty but also raises the standard of living for its citizens.
In addition to providing safe and effective transit alternatives, the well-built walkways, bridges, and ancient buildings serve as reminders of the island’s rich cultural legacy.
To that purpose, the extraordinary infrastructure on Aitoliko Island serves as an example of the creativity and resourcefulness of its residents.
The perfect integration of the canals, pathways, and historical sites creates a charming and useful environment that is sure to attract both tourists and locals.
Aitoliko made an important contribution to the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the 19th century.
The town was subjected to three Turkish sieges before joining Greece. 500 Greek soldiers fought 15,000 Turkish troops during the first siege.
The third siege, which occurred on April 11, 1826, concurrent with the loss of Mesolonghi, led to Aitoliko being reclaimed by the Turks while the second siege was successfully resisted.
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