The natural enclosed bay of the ancient port of Mounichia, Mikrolimano or Tourkolimano is a reference point of the city of Piraeus.


In the shadow of the hill of Kastela, this natural port in antiquity was a point of mooring of boats, just as they existed in the respective ancient port of Zea, today's Pasalimani, while at the same point the existence of at least one ancient temple.

During the Byzantine Empire, the port was named Fanari, probably due to the existence of a lantern to facilitate navigation.

The name Tourkolimano, like the corresponding Pasalimani for the ancient port of Zea, prevailed in the first years of liberation after the national liberation revolution of 1821.

The construction of the villa of Alexandros Koumoundouros in one of the most privileged places of the natural port, was the reason why it was named Koumoundourou port and the corresponding island located outside the bay and towards Pasalimani, Koumoundourou island.

Later, at the place where the mansion of Koumoundouros was located, the lobby of the Royal Naval Club of Greece was built.
During the second decade of the last century, an attempt was made to establish the name of the port of Munichia, but the place name "Tourkolimano" remained the most prevalent.

The name Mikrolimano was introduced in 1967

In 1967, the mayor Aristides Skylitsis, decided to establish the place name "Mikrolimano" against "Tourkolimano" and in fact to achieve this he asked for the assistance of TTT (Posts, Telegraphs, Telephones) so that those who do not use.

Mikrolimano, this natural bay is one of the most picturesque places in Piraeus

In ancient times, according to available sources, at the entrance of the port there were fortifications and two square towers to control all movements inside and outside the port.

The first houses and stumps of the fishermen who docked their boats in the unformed bay began to develop along the downhill that led to the sea, that is, the current Navarchou Votsi Street.
At the end of the 19th century, on the beach of Mikrolimano there were only a few fish taverns, with their small wooden platforms that went into the sea.

At the beginning of the last century, the small fishermen's settlement that had formed on the shores of Mikrolimano began to thicken.
New houses were built while the first small fish taverns and cafes were opened.
After 1922, refugees from various parts of Asia Minor settled in Mikrolimano, as well as in many other districts of Piraeus, building small houses.

The fish tavern of Papantonis is mentioned by many as one of the first taverns that were established and operated in Mikrolimano before the war.
Later, many other restaurants operated along the coast, slowly transforming Mikrolimano into a pole of attraction not only for the Piraeus but also for Athenians and foreigners who visited it to eat fresh fish.

Several postal cartels of these decades emphasized the special "island" color of the area: nets, fishermen, boats and fishing boats as well as traditional dances composed an attractive setting for tourists.
Besides, the Hellenic Tourism Organization (EOT) operated the picturesque port.



Today Mikrolimano is full of life because of the many cafes, restaurants and bars in the area.
Many people prefer it for their walk, because it provides a stunning view of the sea.

Source: MLP Blo-G-Spot