Beautiful Greek island lies in ruins after being used for dark purposes | World | News

Off the coast of Crete lies Spinalonga, a stunning yet eerie Greek island that today serves as a silent reminder of its dark and controversial history.

Once a mighty fortress and later a leper colony, the crumbling ruins of Spinalonga tell the story of an island that has experienced centuries of unrest and isolation.

Spinalonga was first fortified by the Venetians in 1578 to defend against pirate attacks and protect important trade routes across the Mediterranean.

Its strategic location made it an impressive fortress with impenetrable walls that withstood both pirate attacks and Ottoman sieges.

By the end of the 16th century, the island had become an important base and had modern fortifications to ward off attacks from land and sea.

But the island's history took an even darker turn in 1903, when Spinalonga was converted into a leper colony and given the grim nickname “Island of the Living Dead.”

For over 50 years, the island was a place of isolation and suffering, as lepers were banished there and had to spend their final years far away from society.

At the height of the disease, nearly 400 people lived on Spinalonga, suffering poor conditions and the stigma of the disease.

Many were wrongly diagnosed with less serious skin diseases, adding to the island's tragic history.

But over time, a small community developed with roads, running water, schools, and even a hospital and cinema, providing a semblance of normality.

In 1957 the leper colony was dissolved and Spinalonga was left deserted.

The island, once full of life, fell into oblivion and the destroyed fortress walls and crumbling buildings serve as a haunting reminder of its past.

The island's reputation as a spooky place persisted for decades, with locals and visitors alike viewing it as a place struck by tragedy.

In recent years, interest in Spinalonga has increased again, thanks in part to Victoria Hislop's 2005 novel “The Island”.

The historical novel once again drew attention to the human stories behind Spinalonga's tragic past.

Today, Spinalonga attracts thousands of visitors each year, drawn by its haunting beauty and fascinating history.

Tourists wander through the ruins of the Venetian fortress and an abandoned leper colony, fascinated by the island's dual past as a bastion of defense and a place of exile.

Once feared and forgotten, Spinalonga is now a testament to resilience and offers a glimpse into the layers of history that have shaped this mysterious and beautiful Greek island.