Homer's tomb is located in the north of the island of Ios, on the hill of Psathopirgo, above the bay of Plakoto, about 13 km from Chora, the capital of the island and is one of the most important historical and cultural tourist destinations from Ios.
On the hill where this characteristic tomb is located you can also admire a beautiful panoramic view of the northern coast of the island.
The origin of Homer's tomb
There are many versions that concern the death of the most important poet in Greece, including the possibility of a fall while the singer visited the island, but without doubt the most credible one supports the return of Homer to his homeland, where he would later die between 1100 and 900 BC
Although there are still many skeptics, the inhabitants of the island are certain that it is the true tomb of the poet, in fact there are testimonies and references from ancient historians and travelers, which confirm its truthfulness.
Others believe that the singer had decided to be buried on his mother's hometown island, Climene. In confirmation of the thesis according to which the mother of Homer was born on the island of Ios, an ancient coin was found with the face of Homer and an ancient writing that reports a calendar of the island of Ios with a month where it is indicated the name of the poet.
The legend of Homer's tomb
According to one of the legends related to the burial of Homer, the famous singer would have stopped in Ios for a stop, during a trip from Samos to Athens. The inhabitants of the island would ask him a question to which he was unable to answer, and for this reason he was killed.
Whatever the truth behind Homer's death is, what matters is the charm that unleashes this mysterious and unmissable place.
What is Homer's tomb like?
It is a small construction in white stone, of simple workmanship, on which there are several inscriptions in Greek, among which one in particular is quite explicit: “there the earth hides, under the sacred head, the divine Homer, for clear order of gods and men. "
Archaeologists believe it is a tower dating back to the Hellenistic period, but what not everyone knows is that Homer's tomb is actually a cenotaph, or a sepulchral monument erected in a place other than the real burial.
How to get to Homer's Tomb
To reach the tomb there are no public connections, nor organized excursions, therefore it is necessary to rent a quad, a car or a scooter.
We advise you to rent a car if you prefer to travel comfortably and enjoy the view. Along the way, in fact, you can admire vineyards, olive trees and barren landscapes, typical of Mediterranean vegetation. But the best thing will be the sensational view of the blue sea interrupted by the silhouettes of some islands, which seem almost drawn on the horizon.
At some point, when it seems to you that the road goes down towards the sea again, before joining a circular square, you will be almost there.
In fact, you will have to continue on foot for about ten minutes along a suggestive stone staircase at the end of which you will find a covered open space, where you can make a small stop, and then proceed on a path that leads straight to the final destination.
Once you have arrived, we recommend that you continue your visit to Agia Theodoti beach, where you can admire one of the oldest churches on the island of Ios.
Do not miss this ancient monument that stands out against the sky overlooking the sea. With the breeze on your face, you will almost feel like you are losing touch with reality and becoming one with the surrounding nature.
The island of Ios is a magical place, for romantic hearts, lovers of nature and poetry. Once you reach the top of the hill you can lose yourself in the silence of your thoughts and stop to listen to the sound of the wind and the sea in the distance with your eyes closed. Think that these enchanting places inspired the great poet many centuries ago and perhaps, at some point you will feel like you are hearing Homer's feather scroll on a parchment ..