Archaeological Site of Hephaestia

Hephaistia, north of Pournia Bay, was in historical times the second most important city of Lemnos. Excavations document continuous habitation from the Late Bronze Age through Byzantine times. The most important monument of ancient Hephaistia directly linked to the Athenians’ settlement on the island is the ancient theater. Its basic elements are the orchestra, the stage, the cavea, and the parodoi. Its construction involved five building phases. In addition, within the bounds of ancient Hephaistia there is a sanctuary dedicated to the Great Goddess. The architectural remains of the central complex survive on two levels: the lower, to the west, and the higher, to the east. The central room had benches along both sides, upon which were found, together with votive offerings, parts of the cult statue of a female deity identified with the Great Goddess of Lemnos.