to settle down in Stavros. Initially they took to cultivation and used the neighboring ports of Polis and Frikes to conduct trade and commerce with the outside world. The strategic geographical position of the village was the prime reason for its rapid growth. If one goes down the memory lane all the way to the Venetian era, there used to be the monastery of Agios Nikolaos.
However at present only the church remains. Again in the 18th century numerous primary schools were established providing education to the children. With the burgeoning growth of Stavros in the 1900's, the Post Office was set up providing bank and telegraph services to the residents of Northern Ithaca. In the year 1937 electricity was made available to the residents of Stavros and other neighboring villages. At present, Stavros has a population of approximately 300 people who eke out their livelihood by way of cultivation, fishing as well as tourism.
Right in the center of the village there is a beautiful park, which is where one comes across the bust of Odysseus, built many decades ago. Stavros has also a few old edifices that somehow survived the devastating earthquakes. One of the most remarkable buildings is the house of the Tzovanatos which is an architectural masterpiece.
This edifice was built during the Venetian rule. At Stavros there is no dearth of quality taverns, cozy cafes and numerous good hotels that are competitively prized. God forbid, if you fall sick the doctor’s chamber is within walking distance. For the discerning international traveler, a range of hi-tech communication facilities are available at the Post Office.
No visit to Stavros village is ever complete without a visit to the scenic Bay of Polis. It is a mere 2 Kms away from Stavros and the beach is frequented by both residents and visitors. For the more adventurous ones, there are a few fishing boats on hire and one can go on a fishing spree. The experience of fishing in crystal clear waters can be a very rejuvenating experience.
The Cave of Loizos is believed to have been a place to worship Gods. Archaeologists have unearthed many priceless artifacts, ancient tools, pottery, as well as items of everyday use. Not to be missed is the female facemask made of the finest variety of clay. Presently this important facemask is well preserved at Stavros Archaeological Museum.
If one takes the trouble of heading towards Platrithias,located on the outskirts of Stavros, one will come across the hill of Pilicata where the ancient city of Odysseus (Ulysses) was located. Archaeologists have been able to unearth vestiges of buildings, parapets and roads dating to the Neolithic and Corinthian period. Many important artifacts from the site are impeccably preserved at the museum.
The claim that the ancient city of Odysseus was located here stems from the description of Homer in the Odyssey. According to his account the city is believed to have been located in the midst of three mountains - Mount Neritos, Mount Exoghis and Mount Marmakas. Moreover, Homer went to the extent of writing in his accounts that the area had three seas – the channel, Aphales bay and Frikes bay.
The city was built here due to the fact that the land was fertile and conducive for agriculture. The easy availability of water was another reason why the city came up in this area.
In the village’s principal square, the church of Stavros stands like a sentinel. This church is one of the finest specimens of the Byzantine school of architecture and well worth a visit. The village’s principal festival is the festival of Sotiros which is held every year for two days in August. People from all over the island along with international tourists come here during the festival days. There is plenty of food, music and spectacular dance recitals.
As a village getting to Stavros is quite easy. There are numerous beaches linked to Stavros by way of asphalt road. There are also roads linking Stavros with places like Platrithias, which is 3 Km away, Anoghi 5 Km, and Frikes, which is just 3 Km away from the village.
Links 
Back:
Ithaca Related:
