Russian naval base (Poros)

Not all ruins in Greece are temples and palaces from ancient times. Some ruins remind of the not so distant past. And some are not Greek at all. Russian Bay is one of such places, and it is called Russian for a reason. Today, it is a popular beach with ruins of a naval base in the background.

With the Treaty of Kuchuk-Kainarji in the end of the 18th century Russia secured free passage for its ships, military and merchant, throughout the waters of the Ottoman Empire. As Russian naval activity grew, the need arose for a supply station. Land was acquired at the edge of Poros town, and extensive material, coal and food storage facilities were built.

After Greek independence, Governor Kapodistrias requisitioned the facilities for the Greek navy and offered the Russians an alternative location nearby. The new facilities at the bay were larger and better. They were used by Russian ships throughout the 19th century. However, by the early 20th century the place had lost its importance and only one Russian watchman was left garding the base. It was then granted to the Greek Navy by the Czar but was never put to actual use, and the abandoned buildings were left to decay.

More stories in this collection

Discuss this with the author and others