Kalloni

Kalloni is a town and a former municipality on the island of Lesbos, North Aegean, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform, it is part of the municipality Lesbos, of which it is a municipal unit. It is located at the center of the island, and has a land area of 241.946 km². Its population was 8,504 at the 2011 census. The municipal unit shares the island of Lesbos with the municipal units of Mytilene, Agia Paraskevi, Evergetoulas, Gera, Loutropoli Thermis, Mantamados, Mithymna, Petra, and Polichnitos.

History

Kalloni has been an important cultural center since ancient times. It was the center of the ancient kingdom of Pyrrhus. The area is known for its wildlife and its archeological sites. The town of Kalloni is also known for its sardine production, which is celebrated annually with a Sardine Festival.

Geography

Kalloni is surrounded by the largest plain on the island, which makes it a hub for local agriculture. The Kalloni Gulf, which is a bay of the Aegean Sea, lies to the south. The gulf of Kalloni has been recognized as a protected area due to the variety of bird species that it hosts.

Economy

The economy of Kalloni is largely based on agriculture and food production. The town is known for its bakeries and also for its dairy products, especially its cheese. Kalloni is also known for its sardine production, which is celebrated annually with a Sardine Festival.

Culture

Kalloni is the home of the Monastery of Limonos, founded by Saint Ignatios Agallianos in 1526. The monastery houses a library with numerous old manuscripts and an ecclesiastical museum.

See also

• List of settlements in Lesbos
• List of cities in Greece