Mandraki Attractions
The capital and principal port of the island of Nisyros is Mandráki (thermal springs). It lies on the north coast. Above the little town, to the west, is the castle of the Knights of St John, now a monastery. Within the precincts of the castle is the Late Byzantine cave church of the Panayía Spilianí. To the south is the Palaiokástro, with impressive and well- preserved remains of walls and flights of steps belonging to the Hellenistic city (fourth-third century B.C.).
The whiteness of the town houses forms a striking contrast to the dark, volcanic earth. The Panayia tis Spilianis (Our Lady of the Cave Church) was built in 1600. It is linked with many traditions and has a lovely 18th century iconostasis.
In the town hall and the primary school there is an archeological collection with sculptures, ceramics, Hellenistic and Roman inscriptions and 18th / 19th century icons.
The whiteness of the town houses forms a striking contrast to the dark, volcanic earth. The Panayia tis Spilianis (Our Lady of the Cave Church) was built in 1600. It is linked with many traditions and has a lovely 18th century iconostasis.
In the town hall and the primary school there is an archeological collection with sculptures, ceramics, Hellenistic and Roman inscriptions and 18th / 19th century icons.
