Missolonghi

Missolonghi (formally, the Holy City of Messolonghi) is the capital of the prefecture Etoloakarnania. Located in the southern part of the county, between the rivers Achelous and Evinos, approximately 35 km from Agrinio and 37 km from Antirio. Is a historic city and municipality took place some of the most dramatic moments of the Greek Revolution of 1821, the two sieges and the Exodus of Missolonghi.

Messolonghi is also known for its fishing products, especially the roe, and an adjacent lagoon is ideal for aquaculture. The lagoon with its picturesque 'pelades "-the little wooden houses on stilts in the water-protected by the RAMSAR treaty known and an environmental park and ecosystem. According to the census of 2001, Missolonghi has 18,121 inhabitants and along with the former neighboring municipalities incorporated municipality in the Holy City Missolonghi is a dynamic and continuously growing residential complex.

You can see here a video for Missolonghi

History
The name was first reported by Missolonghi a Venetian, who described the battle of Lepanto near Nafpaktos. Several historical sources say that the name comes from Missolonghi union of two Italian words, MEZZO / MESSO and LAGHI which means "a place amid lakes" or "a place surrounded by lakes." Until 1700 the town was under Venetian occupation. Its inhabitants were mostly fishermen.

To the northwest of Missolonghi the ruins of Plevrona ("Asfakovouni"), a city which is mentioned in the works of Homer. Participated in the Trojan War and destroyed by Demetrius Aitolian. The new city, which was built on the ruins of the old, was one of the most important of Aetolia and had 30 towers and 7 gates. Excavations in Plevronas unearthed the walls, the theater, tombs, a Roman aqueduct and many buildings.

During the revolution of 1770, the city's army was defeated by the Ottomans. Missolonghi revolted again on 20 May 1821 and was one of the main Greek forces in the liberation struggle. The residents resisted the attacks of the Ottoman Empire in 1822 and 1823 (Second siege of Missolonghi). The third attack was launched on April 15, 1825 by Kioutachi, whose army numbered 30,000 men and was later reinforced with 10,000 others who were led by Ibrahim. Between the Ottoman army and 3,000 were Mirdites ie Catholics from Northern Albania (referring to the relevant municipal as "Latino") and 700 Russian Cossacks of the Don.

After one year of continuous attacks and hunger, the inhabitants of Messolonghi decided to quit the city, on the night of April 10, 1826, which became famous as "Out of Missolonghi." At that time the inhabitants of the town was 10,500, of whom 3,500 were armed. Few were Mesologi who survived the Exodus. Because of the heroic attitude of Mesolongion, the city received the honor of bearing the title of the Holy City, which is unique in Greece.

The philhellene known English poet Lord Byron, who supported the effort to free Greek, died in 1824. Report on his face is a cenotaph which contains the heart.

Culture
Located in the city, including the family home Trikoupi, poet Palamas,  Valveios library, which is also the municipal public city library with rare books and documents, the contemporary art gallery by Christos and Sophia Moschandreou with many major projects Greek artists. There are also there, the Center for Art and Literature, the way one of the most important cultural cells not only the city but the entire Western Greece, which is responsible for organizing events like most fairs, seminars, video presentations, congresses and Museum of History and Art in the Square Markou Botsari rich with memorabilia of War of 1821. The walls and the gate of the city remain impressive and one can visit the Garden of Heroes where they buried many known and unknown heroes who fought in the heroic Exodus. Every year on Palm Sunday is celebrated as a day of remembrance of the Exodus. It is the most important local festival that honor with their presence many political figures, not only in Greece but also in other countries.

Spiritual people
• Bishop Rogon Joseph (1776-1826), clergyman, Friendly and fighter of the Revolution of 1821.
• John Jacob Mayer (1798 - 1826), Swiss philhellene and editor of the newspaper "Greek Chronicles," the first newspaper printed the race.
• Charilaos Trikoupis, Prime Minister of Greece (1832-1896)
• Spyridon Trikoupis, Prime Minister of Greece (1788-1873)
• Zenobius-Zafirios Valvis, Prime Minister of Greece (1800-1886)
• Dimitrios Valvis, Prime Minister of Greece (1814-1892)
• Deligeorgis Epaminondas, Prime Minister of Greece (1829-1879)
• Kostis Palamas, poet (1859-1943)
• Malakasis Miltiades, poet (1869-1943)
• George Drosinis, poet / novelist (1859-1951)
• Anthony Travlantonis, poet (1867 - 1943)
• Voutiras Demosthenes, writer (1872 - 1958)
• Rigas Golfis, poet (1886 - 1958)
• Mimis Lymberakis, poet - esthetician (1880 - 1967)
• Takis Yiannaras poet - philosopher
• Thomas Gkorpas, poet (1935 - 2003)
• Acacia Kordosi, Author

Local Apartments
MISSOLONGHI
EVINOCHORI
HELLENIKA
RETSINA
SAINT THOMAS
ST GEORGE
MOUSOURA
KOUDOUNI