About
Antissa (Ancient Greek: Ἄντισσα) was a city of the island Lesbos (Lesvos), near to Cape Sigrium, the western point of Lesbos. The place had a harbour. The ruins found by Richard Pococke at Calas Limneonas, a little NE. of cape Sigri, may be those of Antissa. This place was the birthplace of Terpander, who is said to be the inventor of the seven-stringed lyre.
Before you go
What to expect
Standing among the scattered ruins of ancient Antissa, you feel the constant Aegean wind at the far western edge of Lesvos, where the land opens toward Cape Sigri and the sea. This was once a harbour city and the birthplace of Terpander, credited with inventing the seven-stringed lyre — a detail that gives the site an unexpectedly musical resonance. Expect a quiet, largely unexcavated atmosphere rather than a signposted archaeological park.
Best time to visit
Late May through June or September, before peak summer heat and while the coastal light is clearest.
How to get there
From Mytilene, follow the road west toward Sigri — the drive takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours through the island's interior. The village of Archaia Adissa sits close to the ruins, just northeast of Cape Sigri.
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Make a day of it
Places worth combining with your visit
