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Mykonos Airport Renamed after Heroine of the Greek Revolution

Mykonos Airport Renamed
Mykonos Airport to be renamed after Manto Mavrogenous. Credit: Fraport Greece

The newly refurbished airport of Mykonos will be renamed Mykonos-Manto Mavrogenous after the heroine of the Greek Revolution, it was announced on Tuesday.

The initiative of the Municipality of Mykonos started in March 2021 on the occasion of the bicentenary of the Greek War of Independence in honor of the great fighter.

As the Municipality of Mykonos notes, the renaming of the airport to Mykonos-Manto Mavrogenous “is a symbolic gesture that highlights the role of the heroine of the Greek Revolution of 1821 at home and abroad and also projects the rich local history and the unique tradition of our island.”

Mavrogenous saved Mykonos and dedicated her life to the Greek cause

Manto Mavrogenous dedicated her life and her fortune two centuries ago to Greece so the nation could be free and independent today. At 25, she was an educated aristocrat who became a passionate rebel. In war, she fought like a man.

Manto Mavrogenous
Manto Mavrogenous led the Greek resistance on the island of Mykonos against the invading Ottomans. A statue of the Greek heroine stands proudly in Mykonos. Illustration: Greek Reporter

It was October 11, 1822 in the second year of Greece’s War of Independence, when the Ottomans, attempting to invade the island of Mykonos, were repelled by brave islanders fighting under the command of Manto Mavrogenous.

Two ships belonging to the Greek forces, which had been equipped by Mavrogenous, were crucial in harrying the Turks during a ferocious battle.

Born in 1796 in Trieste, Italy, which was part of the Austrian Empire at that time, Mavrogenous moved to Greece with her family in 1809. She joined the secret revolutionary organization “Filiki Etairia” in 1820 after she learned from her father, who was already a member of the organization, that they were preparing an open rebellion against the Turks.

A wealthy and well-educated woman, Mavrogenous was able to convince her well-off European friends to donate large amounts of money for the purchase of ships, armaments, and ammunition for the Greek side. The Greek independence leader even traveled as far as Paris to appeal to wealthy women to side with the Greeks in their desperate bid for freedom.

Mykonos-Manto Mavrogenous airport has been renovated

Mykonos’ airport was completely renovated in 2021 and began welcoming visitors to the Greek cosmopolitan island.

Mykonos airport renamed
The newly-renovated airport on Mykonos. Credit: Fraport Greece

The €25 million renovation, carried out by Fraport Greece, was inspired by the Aegean “pigeon houses” and samplings from popular Aegean architecture while the architectural design combines the traditions of Mykonos with its modern side.

Alexander Zinell, CEO of Fraport Greece, had stated: “We are particularly proud of the architectural design of the new Mykonos Airport, which combines the vision of the company with the unique features of the Myconian lifestyle.”

In addition to Mykonos airport, Fraport Greece renovated 13 more regional airports, providing new services, greater comfort, and more amenities to Greek and international travelers.

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