THREE REASONS TO VISIT MESOLONGI

In our time, many of our habits have unfortunately changed. The invasion of technology in our lives has acted as a catalyst for the digitization of many aspects of it, from online shopping and public services to distance learning and teleworking. Among other things, with the click of a button we can now place a NetBet bet online for any match we want or tour virtually a city wherever it is located. So, until the conditions allow it and we can travel again without restrictions, today we will travel conceivably to the city of the Free Besieged, Messolonghi.
First of all for those who do not know, let's say a few words about the history of this place. The holy city of Messolonghi, capital of the prefecture of Etoloakarnania, is built on a peninsula between the homonymous and much-discussed lagoon and that of Kleisova, at the mouth of Evinos and Acheloos.
There are many versions as to the origin of its name. According to the most prevalent of all, however, the name of this historic city comes from the combination of the Italian words mezzo and langhi (Mezzolanghi), which means "middle of lakes" or messo langhi (Messolanghi), meaning "place in the middle of lakes".
Undoubtedly, one of the most characteristic events not only of the Revolution of 1821 but also of the whole of modern Greek and world history is connected with the most important page of history which was written with the heroic Exodus of the Messolonghi. After many months of siege and an Independence Struggle against the Ottoman Empire, the city finally fell to the Turkalvans and Egyptians (April 10, 1826). This is a historical event that moved and shocked not only the Greek but also the world public opinion.
Messolonghi was finally liberated on May 11, 1829 while in 1937 it was recognized as a "Holy City" and the anniversary of the heroic departure was designated Poor Sunday.
Of course, since then, a lot has been written about the departure of Messolonghi. One of the leading poetic works are the "Free Besieged" by Dionysios Solomos inspired by the struggle of the defenders of the city.
DESTINATION MESOLOGGI: THREE THINGS WORTH WATCHING
TOURLIDA
If you decide to visit Messolonghi it is worth following the route, either by car or on foot or by bike, which leads to Tourlida (6 km). It is a narrow lane that on the right and left is surrounded by the lagoon and its famous "pelades" and connects the city with the Island of Tourlida.
FLAMINGΟ
If your journey takes you to Messolonghi and photography happens to be your hobby or profession, then a very pleasant surprise awaits you and you will be given the opportunity to immortalize unique flamingos through your photographic lens. It is worth mentioning here that more than 7,000 flamingos arrive in the Messolonghi lagoon every year, which give a shocking pink spectacle. Both the residents of Messolonghi and the visitors, if they are lucky, can enjoy images of unique beauty and infinite beauty, against the backdrop of the lagoon and with the beautiful flamingos reflected in the calm waters of the lagoon composing a dream.
SUNSET AND REFLECTIONS IN THE SALTS
Finally, as you leave Messolonghi, going to Aetoliko, you will see the famous Alykes in your left hand. Depending on the season and when the sea is oily, huge hills of salt are mirrored in the water, giving magical images.
An ideal time to visit the area of Alykes, is the time of the sunset because then you will enjoy one of the most idyllic images that may even surpass the sunset of Santorini. This is a protected area for birds, as salt promotes the growth of microorganisms. So it is worth visiting and enjoying these hills of "white gold" that with so much passion and effort has been producing for centuries.