History of Oreoi
Oreoi is the capital of the Municipality of Northern Evia, a place of unique beauty. Its four settlements are examples of natural beauty that represent the elegance of the island.
Wonderful beaches with crystal clear waters, a green plain, mountains with alpine charm are remnants of a brilliant history thousands of years ago.
The location of the Municipality is ideal for those who want to enjoy all the beauties of Northern Evia. Starting from Oreoi you can start exploring the surrounding area (the sea and the mountains).
Oreoi together with Istiaia, either separately or as a unit, consist the core of the history of Northern Evia. The history of both cities begins form the ancient times and continued to this day. The city, during its more than 2,500 years of recorded history, has been conquered by many.
Spartans, Athenians, Macedonians, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans, were some of those who have passed through its territory. The first establishment of population date back to the Neolithic times.
The fortress which was used during the Venetian and the Ottoman period, is being called by the portolan charts like Oreo, Loreo or Oroz. Below the Oreon Castle lies the one-room small post-Byzantine church of Saint Vasilios. The excavation that took place in front of its entrance revealed a burial in a marble sarcophagus (which is placed in the temple) which the scholars attribute to Bishop of Oreoi, Ioannis.
The Holy Tomb of the temple it’s carved in the rock. In August 1965, a 3.2 meter-long marble bull of the Hellenistic era was found on the beach, which is now in a glass casing next to the Church of the Savior at the port.
In the Town Hall you can see the findings of the Archaeological Collection of Oreoi, which reveal the old glory of Oreoi of Istiea and the surrounding area.
About Aidipsos
According to Greek mythology the healing waters of Aedepsus or Aidipsos, are the gift of God of Hephaestus to Goddess Athena for her protected, Hercules. The goddess Athena, in order to help Hercules rest after his Labors, asked her brother, Hephaestus, to bring warm waters in the surface of the earth, in order to help him rest and heal. Hephaestus, with his divine hammer, struck the earth’s rays and immediately began to spout warm waters from Aidipsos Springs.
In recent years, and especially after World War I, the reputation of the city spread everywhere and attracts famous personalities. Many writers and poets find their inspiration in Aidipsos and the economic elite enjoys a peaceful summer.
Global figures such as the Onassis, Churchill, Maria Callas, Greta Garbo, Omar Sharif and others are fascinated by the amazing natural beauties of Aidipsos Baths. This glorious journey goes on until today.
