An interesting trip in the south of the island of Lesbos is to Ayiássos (30km/ 19mi; pop. 5,000), on the northern slopes of Mt Ólympos (967m/3,173ft). Its central feature, the church of the Dormition (last restored in 1816), attracts thousands of pilgrims on the feast of the Dormition (August 15th). In the monastic buildings is a small but very
interesting museum (good icons, liturgical vestments and utensils; folk art). Fine pottery and homespun cloth can be bought in the shops of the little town.
Folk traditions revive here in the festivities of Profítis Ilías and the Madonna, also in the carnival known as "Vallia".