Les Thermes d’Hippocrate are greek thermal baths based on hot springs of the volcano of Nisyros. They constitute the basis for an economic development effort for the island.
Dr. Pantoleon Pantelides hot springs, from the name of their founder who began their construction in 1889, are located on the coast of Nisyros nearby the beautiful small village of Paloi. It welcomed patients from all over Europe and even beyond. Ottoman empire dignitaries used to enjoy the rest and care provided by the spa.
The building was ransacked during the Second World War and then abandoned. Andreas Pantelides, grand-son of the doctor, undertook to restore the building in 1982. Unfortunately, the project could not be completed at this time.
The hot springs were known since the hellenistic times. Stravon, a hellenistic historian wrote about them in his writings. Dr. Pantelides read those and decided to undertake the endeavour of drilling with the meagre means of that time. An inscription found in the ruins of the roman baths confirms the idea that the father of medicine, Hippocrates, chose this source as a spa therapy center.
Water flows from the source to 33 °C and can go up to 10 °C if it is pumped. It is renowned for its therapeutic properties against rheumatism, arthritis, skin problems, circulatory diseases and other pathologies.
Dr. Pantelides was a well known greek physician in the 19th century. He practiced as a doctor of thermal waters, obstetrician and general practitioner.
We aim at creating a luxurious spa hotel in which patients will benefit from treatments and thermal cures, surrounded by a team of specialized doctors. The cure will be held thanks to the natural hot springs available within the building. Patients will then be able to relax and enjoy the tranquility and comfort provided by Nisyros or sail with their personal boat from the private marina.
Investing in this project constitutes the first step in a much larger objective. The restoration and renovation of Les Thermes d’Hippocrate is the first step in the effort of developing the tourist industry in Nisyros. One of the main aspect of our project is to attract tourist of high income level which will help to upgrade the economy of the island.
The success of such a project may lead to the expansion of the local market with the possibility of attracting more professionals which will contribute to the island's further development.
19th century old advertising poster of Les Thermes d’Hippocrate. The portrait at the top left corner pictures Dr. Pantoleon Pantelides, the founder.
View of Les Thermes d’Hippocrate from between the buildings.
Morning view from the thermal baths.
View of Les Thermes d’Hippocrate from between the buildings.
Crater of Nisyros’ volcano, seen from the village of Nikia.
Sulfer ground, inside the crater.
Inside of the crater. It is possible to visit it.
Hole of hot mud, within the crater.
Sea view from Les Thermes d’Hippocrate.
Nisyros cat walking around in the Paleokastro.
Classical and Hellenistic acropolis of Nisyros. It is called Paleokastro and lies on top of the village of Mandraki.
Volcano’s inner plateau.
Village of Mandraki, seen from the Paleokastro.
Village of Nikia, seen from above.
Place inside the village of Nikia.
Village of Paloi.
Andreas Pantelides is a native Nisyrian. He regularly contributes to the economic and cultural development of the island. He witnessed the destruction of the baths, which affected him and led him to start its reconstruction in 1982.
He has been managing for many years two four-star hotels located in Rhodes, Belair Beach Hotel and Blue Horizon Hotel. Both are highly popular among tourists and their quality standards have not suffered from the Greek crisis.
Today, he decided to fulfill his dream, resurrect Les Thermes d'Hippocrate and make Nisyros a popular tourist destination.
More presentations coming soon…