An extremely rare and valuable historical document comes to light, taking a new look at the urban planning and developmental history of Kythera. It is a handwritten topographic map with the title «Port and Settlement Plan in Diakofti on the island of Kythera».
As the title in the upper left-hand corner indicates, this project was officially adopted as annex to the Royal Decree on 4 October 1871 and bears the signature of King George I.
A vision 124 years ahead of its time
The most striking element of this document is its historical «prophecy». It is known that Diakofti was established and started to operate as the modern, central port of Kythera only in 1995. However, this map clearly demonstrates that the strategic importance of the bay and its leeward location had been recognised more than a century earlier. Architects, engineers and local authorities in the 19th century had already grasped the need to create a large harbour and a modern settlement on this very spot.
What the plan reveals
Looking closely at the document, which is drawn to a scale of 1:2500, we can see striking details of how the area was imagined at the time:
Hippodamian Rhymotomy System: Unlike the older, labyrinthine traditional settlements, Diakofti was designed from the beginning with a strict, geometric urban plan. The square building blocks, wide, parallel streets, as well as planned areas for squares and parks (marked in green) are clearly visible. This plan is not only limited to the Kythera coast, but also extends onto the island of Makrykithira.
The Bridge of Union: In the centre of the plan, the construction of a bridge is explicitly foreseen, which would connect the Kythera coast (Diakofti) with the island of Makrykithira (or Makronissi). This idea, although conceived in 1871, was finally realised in modern times, giving today's Diakofti its emblematic image.
Port Projects: In the right part of the map, on the side of the island of Makrykythira, the design of a large jetty (pier) that penetrates the sea, offering safe docking to the ships of the time, is clearly depicted.
Its historical significance
This topographical document (which bears stamps certifying that it is an «Exact Copy») is not just an old city plan on paper. It is historical proof that major infrastructure projects, which we take for granted today, often take many decades to mature and take shape.
The 1871 plan is a valuable piece of the historical puzzle of Kythera and highlights Diakofti not just as a «new» port, but as a visionary project that has been patiently waiting for its justification for over 120 years.
So my uncle, Gregory Kasimatis was right.
But the war that they opened, both the Inner and the Outer Municipality, was intractable... A handful of people are left in this place, which I also hurt even though I don't live there, but unanimity, solidarity and cooperation are concepts that you have probably forgotten.... Really, what a pity!