The island of Lemnos has a history stretching back seven thousand years. It is this historical past combined with the vast and unexplored beauty of the island that inspired us to create the village hotel you visit, reviving the old mansions of yesteryear with great love and care.
The Varos Village residences have been lovingly and sensitively restored with respect and dedication to the culture and tradition of Lemnos, serving as both a homage to the people who once lived and worked in these buildings, whilst at the same time offering a creative and dynamic twist on historic themes. So read on for some insights into the histories of some of the Varos Village residences, and discover how each of the buildings are totally unique!
ARCHONTIKO (… former mansion Pavlidis)
This is a ‘Noble house’, and is one of the most beautiful in the whole village, once belonged to the village doctor Ioannis Pavlidis. He was famed throughout the island, and built his house opposite the town’s medical clinic. The house has now been fully restored to its original form. It features paved walkways, lanterns, handcrafted ironwork, flowery patterns, and a covered well! These lovingly restored touches give a message of hope that the house’s former beauty is not lost.
PETRINO (… formerly Clinical Pavlidis)
The old village clinic was run by Dr Pavlidis, and was primarily used as a maternity hospital. During the German occupation of Lemnos, the building was converted into the German clinic headquarters. Today, the clinic has been brought back to life with affection, through the extensive use of wood, stone and tile. The complex has been named Petrino (which means stone) as a homage to the fact it has been restored using original and local stone hewn from volcanic rocks.
TRADITIONAL KAFENEIO (… former Skarpeti Traditional Cafe in the village square)
The old kafeneio (coffee shop) was the largest of the four coffee shops in the village square. At the rear of the kafeneio was a grocery shop, while the upper floor was used as a family residence.
During the German occupation, officers of the German army lived here. Later, in the 1950’s after the owners had abandoned the kafeneio, it was used by the Greek army as a grain warehouse. The building has now been named the Traditional Kafeneion to commemorate its history. In this fully restored building you can enjoy Greek coffee and a game of backgammon, just as the local villagers did almost 200 years ago!
T reception area for the Varos Village residences is also located in in the Traditional Kafeneio.
MOURIES (… former Dimitrelli’s warehouse)
This former cotton-warehouse belonged to an M. Dimitrelis. Up until 1950, Lemnos was famous for the cultivation and production of cotton, which was exported far and wide across Greece, as well as being particularly popular in Egypt. Lemnian cotton enjoyed a worldwide reputation for excellent quality cotton, and was characterised by its bright white colour.
During the renovation of the warehouse, we preserved an old mulberry tree, which rises through the terrace of one of the apartments. In honour of this beautiful tree, the complex was named Mouries, which means berries.
MONASTERY (… former mansion Raftopoulos)
This noble house was built around 1850 the largest in the village, and was owned by Haralambos Raftopoulos, the island’s pharmacist. Haralambos Raftopoulos traded to Odessa, where the Greek communities thrived. The inclusion of the adjective shows the ultimate ancestor of Venetian origin Rauto. The Venetians ruled the Aegean and Limnos until 1479, when under the weight of Turkish power they were forced to cede the island to the Turks. The Raftopoulos mansion has been renamed the Monastery, because of its monastic shape and its courtyard. To this day, Raftopoulos’ grandson continues his grandfather’s pharmacy business in Athens, at the end of Ambelokipi area.
LEMNIAN GAEA
This complex extends to the entrance of the village, on the hill where in ancient times mud was mined. Lemnian Terra mud was famous for its therapeutic properties, and was described as miraculous, by the ancient Greek philosopher-physician Hippocrates in his writings. It was well known throughout the world, and used either as a pill, to treat stomach pains, or as an ointment for wounds and burns.
From the residence’s veranda smothered in flowers of Lemnian Gaea, you can be enchanted by the beautiful view to the prehistoric, volcanic crater Mosychlos. Observe the entire village and identify the hotel’s buildings – the village jewellery! Let your eyes roam to infinity over the Moudros Bay. Lemnian Gaea is home to the Hotel’s Pool & Suites, as well as the pool bar restaurant “Elia”, the awarded, Greek restaurant “Veranda” with local recipes, the hotel’s organic garden, the traditional corner, and the ceramic store with ceramic souvenirs of Terra Lemnian. Here you will also find the “Lithos” private lounge, the “Politia” conference hall, the “Armonia” event hall, as well as the gym, the massage room, the swimming pool for children and of course the hotel’s Reception and parking area. It is home to all the authentic landmarks of the area. The original stone flour mills and the cereal storage warehouse, have been restored and turned into Sea View Suites, offering a special accommodation to those who choose to stay in pool area.
We wish you a pleasant stay and a wonderful journey through time!