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

Once a powerful fortress and later a leper colony, Spinalonga’s crumbling ruins tell the story of an island that has seen centuries of turmoil and isolation.

Initially fortified by the Venetians in 1578, Spinalonga was built to defend against pirate attacks and protect valuable trade routes across the Mediterranean. 

Its strategic location made it a formidable stronghold, with impenetrable walls that withstood both pirate raids and Ottoman sieges. 

By the late 16th century, the island had become an essential base, with advanced fortifications designed to repel attacks from land and sea.

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

For over 50 years, the island was a place of isolation and suffering, as lepers were exiled there to live out their days far from society. 

At its peak, nearly 400 people lived on Spinalonga, enduring poor conditions and the stigma surrounding the disease.

Many were misdiagnosed with less severe skin conditions, adding to the island’s tragic history. 

Over time, however, a small community developed, with roads, running water, schools, and even a hospital and cinema offering some semblance of normalcy.

By 1957, the leper colony was disbanded, and Spinalonga was left abandoned. 

The island, once teeming with life, faded into obscurity, its ruined fortress walls and crumbling buildings serving as a haunting reminder of its past. 

For decades, the island’s eerie reputation lingered, with locals and visitors alike regarding it as a place touched by tragedy.

In recent years, Spinalonga has experienced a resurgence in interest, thanks in part to Victoria Hislop’s 2005 novel The Island. 

The historical fiction brought renewed 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, captivated by the island’s dual legacy as both a bastion of defence and a place of exile. 

Spinalonga once feared and forgotten, now stands as a testament to resilience, offering a glimpse into the layers of history that have shaped this mysterious and beautiful Greek island.