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{{Short description|Greek island in the Aegean Sea}}
{{for|the ancient town on the island of Karpathos|Nisyros (Karpathos)}}
{{Infobox Greek Dimos
|name = Nisyros
|name_local = Νίσυρος
|type = municipality
|image_map = 2011 Dimos Nisyrou.png
|image_skyline = File:Mandraki 20-jun-2013 04.jpg
|caption_skyline = View of [[Mandraki]]
|coordinates = {{coord|36|35|N|27|10|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|elevation_min = 0
|elevation_max = 698
|periph = [[South Aegean]]
|periphunit         = [[Kos (regional unit)|Kos]]
|pop_municipality   = 1048
|area_municipality  = 50.06
|mayor = 
|party = 
|since = 
|population_as_of = 2021
|postal_code = 853 03
|area_code = 22420
|licence = ΚΧ, ΡΟ, ΡΚ
|website = [http://www.nisyros.gr www.nisyros.gr]
|seat=[[Mandraki]]
}}

'''Nisyros''', also spelled '''Nisiros''' ({{langx|el|Νίσυρος|Nísyros}}; {{IPA|el|ˈnisiros|label=[[Modern Greek]] pronunciation:}}), is a [[Volcano|volcanic]] [[Greece|Greek]] island and [[Communities and Municipalities of Greece|municipality]] located in the [[Aegean Sea]]. It is part of the [[Dodecanese]] group of islands, situated between the islands of [[Kos]] and [[Tilos]].
 
Its shape is approximately round, with a diameter of about {{convert|8|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}, and an area of {{convert|41.6|km2|sqmi|3|abbr=on}}.<ref name="nisyros">{{cite web |url=http://www.nisyros.gr |title=City of Nisyros |access-date=2008-01-22 |work=Municipality of Nisyros}}</ref> Several other islets are in the direct vicinity of Nisyros, the largest of which is [[Gyali]], with a population of 22 citizens. The Municipality of Nisyros includes Gyalí, as well as uninhabited Pacheiá, Pergoússa, Kandelioussa, Ágios Antónios, and Strongýli. It has a total land area of {{convert|50.055|km2|sqmi|3|abbr=on}}<ref name=stat01>{{cite web|url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf|publisher=National Statistical Service of Greece|title=Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)|language=el}}</ref> and a total population of 1,048 inhabitants (2021).

== Geology ==
[[File:Wulkan - Nissiros - krater Stefanos - panoramio.jpg|thumb|right|''Stefanos'', the largest crater of the volcano.]]
[[File:Nisyros inland 1.jpg|thumb|Landscape]]

The island has a {{convert|3–4|km||-wide|adj=mid}} [[caldera]], and was formed within the past 150,000 years, with three separate eruptive stages, ranging from [[explosive eruption|explosive]] and [[effusive eruption|effusive]] [[andesite|andesitic]] eruptions to explosive and effusive [[dacite|dacitic]] and [[rhyolite|rhyolitic]] activity.<ref name="gvp">{{cite gvp |vn=212050 |name=Nisyros: Summary}}</ref> Its coasts are generally rocky or pebbled, but there are also a few sandy beaches (mainly in the northeastern part). The volcano is currently active but not erupting, and [[fumarole]]s are found at the craters.<ref name="gvp"/> It has had four historical eruptions, all of which had a [[Volcanic Explosivity Index|VEI]] of 2. Almost all of its eruptions involved [[phreatic eruption|phreatic]] activity.<ref name="gvp2">{{cite gvp |vn=212050 |vtab=Eruptions |name=Nisyros: Eruptive History}}</ref> The latest eruptive activity was a [[Hydrothermal explosion|steam]] explosion in 1888,<ref name="gvp"/> after small ash eruptions in 1871 and 1873, and earthquakes are frequent. A period of seismic unrest in 1996&ndash;1997 led an international team of scientists to initiate monitoring of the volcanic unrest, as part of the [[EU]]-sponsored [[Geowarn]] project. The entire volcanic complex includes the seafloor between Nisyros and [[Kos]], the island of [[Gyali]], and a part of [[Kos]] island.

== Geography ==

Nisyros can experience [[etesian winds]] between June and August. This is most obvious on the eastern and western flanks of the volcano, where trees are bent towards the south from the force of the winds. The wind may be especially strong on the island due to jet effects as it passes over Kos.

==Climate==
According to the station of the [[National Observatory of Athens]], Nisyros has a [[hot semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''BSh'') with mild winters and hot summers. Nisyros has an average annual temperature of around 20.0°C and an average annual precipitation of around 350 mm (May 2017 – Mar 2023).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.meteo.gr/Monthly_Bulletins.cfm|title=Monthly Bulletins|website=www.meteo.gr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://penteli.meteo.gr/stations/nisyros/ | title=Latest Conditions in Nisyros }}</ref>

== Geothermal energy ==
Nisyros has one of the most important, high-enthalpy geothermal fields in Greece, with a fluid temperature of over 350{{nbsp}}°C and a high pressure of 18{{nbsp}}bar; based on feasibility studies, the geothermal potential of the island is at least 50{{nbsp}}MW.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.oryktosploutos.net/2014/12/blog-post_28-20/ |title=Το ιστορικό του γεωθερμικού πεδίου της Νισύρου}}</ref>

Over time, efforts have been made by the operator, [[Public Power Corporation#Renewable energy|PPC Renewables]], to exploit geothermal energy in the area for energy production. 

The most recent plan was to gradually create and operate a geothermal plant with a capacity of 20 to 25{{nbsp}}MW in cooperation with international specialized institutions.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ppcr.gr/images/projects/geothermal/Nisyros.pdf |title=ΔΕΗ Ανανεώσιμες Α.Ε.: Νίσυρος, το αύριο της ενέργειας, σήμερα.}}</ref> Given the estimated energy needs of Nisyros (1–2{{nbsp}}MW), it was considered possible to supply electricity to the neighbouring islands of Kos, Tilos, Kalymnos, and Leros. However, long-lasting protests by the local community of Nisyros have blocked any plans to exploit the geothermal field for years. Indeed, in 1997 the Municipality of Nisyros held a referendum on the issue, with the result being 87% against the plans of the PPC.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.iospress.gr/mikro1997/mikro19970531.htm |title=Οταν αποφασίζουν οι κάτοικοι}}</ref>

Entities of Nisyros, such as the Nisyros Studies Company, some municipal authorities, and many scientists of the sector, have expressed their objections to the plans of PPC Renewables, raising safety issues due to the particular danger of the volcano of Nisyros, the seismic activity that often follows similar drilling, and the management of toxic waste. A point of friction was that the local community felt that it had been ignored in the decision-making process and in the planning of the project.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nisyriakesmeletes.gr/rae.html |title=Εταιρεία Νισυριακών Μελετών: Αντιρρήσεις Των Νισυριακών Συλλογικών Φορέων Προς Την Ρ.Α.Ε.}}</ref>

== Settlements ==
[[File:Mandraki 20-jun-2013 06.jpg|thumb|left|Street of Mandraki]]

The island is reachable by ship from [[Piraeus]], [[Rhodes]], and Kos, and in summer, there are many daily trips from the village of [[Kardamena]] on Kos. There is also a [[heliport]]. The main town and port of the island is [[Mandraki]] (pop. 660). Other villages are [[Paloi]] (239), [[Nikia]] (61), and [[Emporeios]] (27). According to the 2011 census, the municipality's resident population is 1,008 (including 21 on [[Gyali]]), although in summer it is augmented by many tourists as well as expatriate Nisyrians who visit the island for their vacations. Tourism is not so heavily developed as on other [[Greece|Greek]] islands. Deposits of [[perlite]] and [[pumice]] on [[Gyali]] provide much of the wealth of the island. The island used to be self-sufficient, and many crops were grown on its terraced slopes. Today, though, they are cultivated on a smaller scale.

{{Infobox mountain
| name = Nisyros
| other_name = Νίσυρος
| photo = Nisyros air 1.jpg
| elevation_m = 698
| elevation_ref = <ref name="gvp"/>
| prominence_m = 
| map = 
| map_caption = 
| label_position = 
| listing = 
| location = [[Aegean Sea]], Greece
| range = 
| coordinates = {{coord|36.586|N|27.160|E}}
| coordinates_ref = <ref name="gvp"/>
| topo = 
| type = [[Stratovolcano]] with a [[Caldera]]
| age = 
| last_eruption = September 1888<ref name="gvp2"/>
| first_ascent = 
| easiest_route = 
| photo_caption = Aerial view of Nisyros. Nisyros is the large island in the foreground.
}}

== History ==
[[File:Nikia, Nisyros 1.jpg|thumb|Nikia village]]

According to [[Greek mythology]], the island was formed when [[Poseidon]] cut off a part of [[Kos]] and threw it onto the giant [[Polybotes]] to stop him from escaping. The ancient name of the Nisyros was ''Porphyris''.

===Iron Age===
The island is mentioned by [[Homer]] in the ''[[Iliad]]''.<ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0134%3Abook%3D2%3Acard%3D653 2.675-679]</ref> 

===Classical Age===
====Satrapy of Caria====
Ancient walls, dating from the 5th century BC, part of the [[acropolis]] of the island, are found near Mandraki.

It was apparently also a source of [[millstone]]s used in some of the earliest [[watermills]], being referred to by epigrammatist [[Antipater of Thessalonica]] in the 1st century BC.<ref>M. J. T. Lewis, ''Millstone and Hammer: the origins of water power'' (University of Hull Press 1997), pp. vii 66-7.</ref>

====Roman period====
In Roman times it became part of the [[Insulae (Roman province)|Insulae province]].

===Medieval Age===
In the 10th and 11th centuries, Genoese captains and adventurers who had a private fleet organized in clans united by family ties, exercised sovereignty and maritime control on behalf of the [[Byzantine]]s, and these clans in exchange for the protection of the seas were given a concession to exploit raw materials, rights of trade, and collection of customs duties.

The [[Knights Hospitaller]] in [[1315]]  were allowed to settle on the island upon payment of rent to the Genoese government ruled by the Vignolo family, and they built the [[Crusades|crusader]] castle.

In the following centuries there were clashes between Turks and Venetian crusaders, and with uncertain outcomes, the island passed to the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] in 1566, then passed almost four centuries later from the Ottomans to the [[Kingdom of Italy|Italians]] in 1911 during the [[Italo-Turkish War]], along with the rest of the [[Dodecanese islands]]. It finally was annexed to the [[Greek Kingdom]] after the [[Second World War]], in 1947.

== Christianity ==
The [[patron saint]] of the island is New Martyr Niketas of Nisyros.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} Many [[Greek Orthodox|Orthodox]] Christian churches are found on the island, as well as four monasteries which are not inhabited by monks today, although various celebrations take place in them.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} The largest monastery is the one of ''Panagia Spiliani'' (Blessed Virgin Mary of the cave) at Mandraki; it is built beside the medieval castle erected by the [[Knights Hospitaller]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}

===Diocese of Nisyrus===
Nisyrus was a [[suffragan]] of Rhodes, but the bishopric faded. Known bishops included [[Matthaeus de Cheselles]] (appointed 1436), [[Pierre Fridaricus]] (served from the 1480s),<ref name=CathHierPierreFrid>[http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bfridar.html Catholic Hierarchy: "Bishop Pierre Fridaricus"] retrieved January 30, 2016</ref> [[Pedro Xague]] (appointed 1560),<ref name=CathHierPedroXague>[http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bxague.html Catholic Hierarchy: "Bishop Pedro Xague, O.P."] retrieved January 30, 2016</ref> and [[Jerónimo Clavijo]] (appointed 1564).<ref name=CathHierJeroClav>[http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bclavi.html Catholic Hierarchy: "Bishop Jerónimo Clavijo, O.P."] retrieved January 30, 2016</ref><ref name=CathHierNisyros>[http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dn538.html Catholic Hierarchy: Diocese of Nisyros] retrieved January 30, 2016</ref>

=== Latin titular see ===
The diocese was nominally restored in 1927 as [[titular see]] of the lowest (episcopal) rank, initially named Nysirus (Curiate Italian Nisiro), and renamed Nisyrus in 1928.  It has been vacant for decades, having had the following incumbents:
* Francesco Fellinger (26 February 1929 – 22 July 1940)
* Augusto Osvaldo Salinas Fuenzalida, [[Picpus Fathers]] (SS.CC.) (9 February 1941 – 3 August 1950)
* Elizeu Simões Mendes (21 August 1950 – 19 September 1953)
* Carlos Maria Jurgens Byrne, [[Redemptorists]] (C.SS.R.) (7 February 1954 – 17 December 1956) (later Archbishop)
* Augusto Trujillo Arango (25 April 1957 – 31 March 1960) (later Archbishop)
* Auguste Joseph Gaudel (1 September 1960 – 8 August 1969)

== Culture ==
A traditional product of Nisyros is ''[[soumada]]'', a non-alcoholic [[almond]]-flavoured drink.

== Twinning ==
Mandraki is twinned with the following municipalities:
* {{flagicon|CYP}} [[Lapithos]], Cyprus

== Notable natives and residents ==
* [[John Catsimatidis]], [[New York City]] owner of [[Gristedes]]

== See also ==
* [[List of volcanoes in Greece]]
* [[List of traditional Greek place names]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
* [http://www.nisyros.gr Official website] {{in lang|en|fr|de|el|it|es}}
* [http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/europe_west_asia/nisyros.html Volcano World: Nisyros, Greece] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423183340/http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/europe_west_asia/nisyros.html |date=2012-04-23 }}
* [http://www.brandsborg.com/GREECE%20-%20Nissyros%20-%20May%202013/ Photoblog from bRandSboRg.CoM]
{{Dodecanese Islands}}
{{Kallikratis-South Aegean}}
{{Nisyros div}}
{{Aegean Sea}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Islands of Greece]]
[[Category:Dodecanese]]
[[Category:Municipalities of the South Aegean]]
[[Category:Volcanoes of Greece]]
[[Category:Volcanoes of the Aegean]]
[[Category:Active volcanoes]]
[[Category:Pleistocene stratovolcanoes]]
[[Category:Holocene stratovolcanoes]]
[[Category:Calderas of Greece]]
[[Category:VEI-2 volcanoes]]
[[Category:Populated places in Kos (regional unit)]]
[[Category:Landforms of Kos (regional unit)]]
[[Category:Islands of the South Aegean]]
[[Category:Members of the Delian League]]
[[Category:Greek city-states]]
[[Category:Places in the Iliad]]
[[Category:Populated places in the ancient Aegean islands]]
[[Category:Catholic titular sees in Europe]]