Neglected migrant cemetery on Lesvos island gets overhauled

·

A neglected burial ground on the Greek island of Lesvos has undergone a major transformation to provide a dignified resting place for the dead, and for their relatives to visit.

The cemetery is located near the village of Kato Tritos, roughly 20 kilometres from Mytilini, and is mostly known for honouring those who tragically lost their lives at sea or in migrant camps. 

AP News revealed that it has been refurbished by Earth Medicine, a Lesvos-based charity.

On Wednesday, April 17, Earth Medicine formally handed over the redesigned cemetery to municipal officials.

A spokesperson for Earth Medicine, Dimitris Patounis spoke on the new transformation of the cemetery. 

Lesbos burial ground
The cemetery features 200 gravestones. Photo: Panagiotis Balaskas.

“We wanted it to be clear that this was a burial ground, (mostly) for people who died at sea — some of whom have been identified while others have not,” Mr Patounis said.

“It used to be just a field.”

Prior to being renovated, the cemetery was filled with gravestones covered in weeds, and they were marked with a number written on them, or in rare cases, a name.

Now, the 200 gravestones have a white gravel cover and clearly list what is known of the occupant.

“Now people will be able to visit when their (dead) relatives are identified,” Mr Patounis said.

Source: AP News.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Back to Greece: Four journeys, one shared return

As the Back to Greece series closes, what remains is more than a collection of travel diaries - it’s a mosaic of memory and identity.

Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney to hold memorial marking 113 years since Lesvos’ liberation

The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney will honour the 113th anniversary of the Liberation of Lesvos with a series of commemorative events.

Film Review: ‘Athens Midnight Radio’ is Haralambidis’ nocturnal love letter to Athens

The 30th Greek Film Festival opened last week and featured a screening of Renos Haralambidis’ Athens Midnight Radio (2024).

Elena Pappas honoured with the 2025 Stephen Myall Award

At the Law Institute of Victoria’s annual awards ceremony in October 2025, Elena Pappas was recognised with the Stephen Myall Award.

‘Fertility and Filoxenia’: Empowering conversations on fertility and IVF options

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia and Greek Community of Melbourne invite everyone to attend a free educational event on fertility.

You May Also Like

Evangelia Platanioti scores silver at World Aquatics Championships

Synchronised swimmer, Evangelia Platanioti, scored a silver medal in the freestyle event at the Doha World Aquatics Championships.

Chanel Contos receives prestigious Diana Award

24-year-old activist, Chanel Contos, has joined 180 young changemakers in receiving the prestigious Diana Award earlier this week.

The register of terror: The ephemeral of marriages

Until a few years ago, the relationships of people who decided to live together as a family couple were characterised by romance.