Provincial Medical Station of Antikithira

 

 

 

Antikithira or Tsirigoto (from the Venetian “Cerigotto”), or Cecerigo, in ancient times also called “Aegila”, was an island of great strategic significance, located between Kithira and Crete. In an ancient shipwreck close to the island, archaeologists found the famous statue of the Antikithira Ephebe, as well as the Antikithira Mechanism, a complex mechanism for navigation, resembling an astrolabe. As archaeological excavations continue on the island, ancient and Byzantine treasures are constantly being found. Also, the Hellenic Ornithological Society and the National Observatory of Athens have established their research centres on the island.

 

 

The island has a heliport and rooms to rent. Its patron-saint is Saint Myron, who is commemorated on 16th and 17th August every year. The island has 44 residents, a number that increases during summer due to the tourists. Administratively, Antikythera, along with Kythera, belongs to the Attica Region.

 

Great efforts have been made to rescue the archaeological monuments of the island. A large archaeological group from the Ministry of Culture (Ephorate of Antiquities) carries out excavations while also guiding visitors to the archaeological sites of the island. Furthermore, the Hellenic Ornithological Society constantly monitors the 250 species of birds that have been recorded on Antikithira and the surrounding islets.

 

 

Two ferries connect Antikithira with Kithira (3 times per week), Piraeus (once a week) and Crete (once a week). The community clinic is located on the ground floor of a building, in which there is also an independent room for the residence of the doctor. Finally, there is a police station on the island.

 

 

 

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