Ierapetra

Ierapetra is the southernmost town in Europe and the sunniest in Greece, situated on the shores of the Libyan Sea. Ierapetra is considered to be one of the most important export centres for agricultural products in Europe. In addition, the population derives income from tourism, thanks to the many sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters in the vicinity of the town. Born 350,000 years ago from the eruption of a submarine volcano, the island of Chrissi, with its exotic beaches and protected forest of two-hundred-year-old ashes, is the jewel in Ierapetra's crown.

But what is the relationship between Ierapetra and Napoleon?

Napoleon is the protagonist of a story that, in the form of a legend, has been passed down from generation to generation for 226 years in Ierapetra. In 1798, an unknown fleet dropped anchor off Ierapetra in search of drinking water. Peroulios, the town councillor, approached the strangers, who he said were strangely dressed. Using signs, he invited an officer into his home, looked after him and gave him shelter. The next morning Peroulios found his room empty and a note in French: "Si vous voulez savoir qui était votre étranger, sachez que je suis Napoléon Bonaparte".

From 1798 to the present day, the people of Ierapetra proudly tell visitors the story of Napoleon's visit, which is an integral part of the town's history.

Ierapetra has a long history dating back to the Minoan period. Destroyed by the Romans, since the Arabs, the town has also served as a pirate base. Ierapetra regained its prosperity during a Venetian period, only to be conquered by the Ottomans. Today, visitors can explore the history of the town at the Kales fortress, the mosque, the museum of antiquities, Napoleon's house and the Minoan archaeological sites.

Napoleon Bonaparte was a great figure. He is still regarded today as a military and governmental genius, founder of a royal dynasty, catalyst and founder of European kingdoms and countries, on which he left a profound imprint of his personality.

At the end of the 18th century, an unknown fleet dropped anchor off Ierapetra. A boat with sailors docked at the port of Ierapetra in search of drinking water. The notable Andreas Peroulios approached the strangers, who he thought were dressed "strangely", and using signs, invited an officer to his home in what is now the Kato Mera district, or old town. He nursed him back to health and put him up in his house. The next morning, the lord found the room empty and a note in French attesting to the identity of the distinguished guest, saying: "If you want to know who your stranger was, know that I am Napoleon Bonaparte."

This story, in the form of a legend, has been passed down from generation to generation for 226 years. Today, the story is told as a family heirloom by a descendant of the Perulio family. The house in question "Napoleon's House" is for Ierapetra a point of reference for the visit of such an important foreigner, giving hope to the submissive inhabitants of Ierapetra.

From 1798 to the present day, the inhabitants of Ierapetra proudly tell visitors the story of the visit of their own stranger, General Napoleon.

The iconic nature of the visitor led to the name of the owner, the notable Perulio, being forgotten, and since then the property has been known as "Napoleon's House". His magnificent military and political career further strengthened the pride of the people of Ierapetra.

His visit has become an integral part of the city's cultural history. Throngs of visitors from all over the world come to our town and wander in search of Napoleon's house.