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leper colony

Former Leper Colony of Spinalonga, Crete Gets a Makeover

The former leper colony of Spinalonga just off the coast of Crete is being restored to create exhibition spaces, the Greek Culture Ministry announced recently. The restoration of the buildings of the Leprosy Hospital is part of the ministry’s promotion...

Greek Leper Colony Turned into Airbnb Accommodations for Adventurous Travelers

A series of caves on Crete used from the 18th century to the mid-20th century to quarantine people with leprosy (Hansen's Disease) are now being refurbished to be offered as short-term Airbnb rentals for tourists. Manolis Giannadakis bought five of...

Leper Island of Spinalonga Second Most Visited Site in Greece's Crete (video)

The small island of Spinalonga, which for 50 years was a leper colony, has become one of the most popular sites in Crete. Officials say that it now ranks second only to the archaeological site of Knossos in terms of...

Haunting Images from Abandoned Leper Colony of Chios

Just a few kilometers north of the modern town of Chios in the island lies a row of abandoned buildings, which for centuries served as a leper colony. Sixty years since the asylum was abandoned, the derelict buildings offer a...

Spinalonga Island Becomes Its Own Artwork

Renowned Greek artist Costas Tsoklis is trying to turn the island of Spinalonga, close to Crete, into a modern work of art. Spinalonga was chosen for his artistic creation, and the island  used to be Greece's leper colony. The international...

Thessaloniki Hosts International Book Fair

36 popular and successful personalities, all working in the book sector, will attend the 9th International Book Fair in Thessaloniki from May 24-27. Internationally recognized and award-winning director Emir Kusturica will attend. The Serbian filmmaker will present his second book...