Spinalonga, a small island in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, Spinalonga served as an isolation colony for individuals with leprosy from 1903 to 1957. The Cretan government enacted a decree in 1901 mandating the segregation of those with leprosy and designated Spinalonga as the site for this purpose.
The ancient disease of leprosy has been feared since biblical times when lepers were treated as ‘unclean’. The unsightly deformities affecting their faces and limbs were taken as evidence of past sins. This was the main belief for centuries and even in the early 20th century, leprosy was considered to be a highly contagious and incurable disease.
A trip to Spinalonga is definitely worth it, whether for historical purposes or for the opportunity to capture the best panoramic view of Crete’s White Mountains. It’s possible to book an excursion to the island, departing from the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda or Plaka.
Photo Credit: Photo by Nadine Marfurt on Unsplash
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