The Kleissova lagoon dominates the Evinos delta and is of great ecological and economic importance for the wider region. It is an important habitat for many species of rare birds, which nest on its islands and dykes, while its waters are rich in fish populations, plant communities and molluscan colonies. Its current area is estimated at 21.91 sq.km and its depth does not exceed 1 m, so that it is quite strongly affected by the tides of the Gulf of Patras. It is divided into two sections separated by the 5 km long sea road, which was constructed between 1874 and 1881, with materials from the excavations for the construction of the port. This road connects Messolonghi with the island of Tourlida, acting as a bridge. The eastern part communicates with the open sea through the Kleissova channel and has fresher waters than the central part, as two streams from Mount Arakynthos flow into it there. The avifauna of Kleissova includes silver pelicans, flamingoes and many other species.
The western part of Kleissova is more sheltered, and its only communication with the sea is through conduits located under the road connecting Messolonghi with the settlement of Tourlida, at the western boundary of the lagoon. Another small opening, 10 m wide, is located in the area of Louros, which is used by the fish farms.
The Kleissova lagoon is home to natural resources with curative properties, as its mud is rich in minerals and trace elements. The clay of Agia Triada was recognized in 2017 as of remedial quality. The deposits are located on the surface over an area of about 1-2 sq. km. and their use is suggested for mud-therapies, suitable for rheumatic diseases, chronic rheumatism, sciatica, back pains and diseases of the nervous system.
The island of Kleissova and the historic battle
In the eastern part of the lagoon of the same name is the island of Kleissova. It has an area of about half an acre and is declared a historical site, as a historic battle took place there in 25 March 1826, in which the Greeks managed to prevail, shortly before the heroic Exodus. During the siege of Messolonghi, Kleissova was the last stronghold and outpost in Greek hands in the lagoon, the conquest of which was of great importance to the Ottomans, both to establish gun emplacements there and to cut off the supplies to Messolonghi, since the islet served as a station for bringing in foodstuffs.
At the time of the struggle for independence, it was fortified with a rudimentary earthworks and a mound on its western side that served as a bastion with four cannons. In addition, its defenders – 120 men made up of Messolonghi fishermen and Kravarites – had driven wooden piles for 10-15 m around the island. To take Kleissova by surprise, and make it more easily to overwhelm, Kioutachis pretended to launch an attack on Messolonghi, before abruptly changing course towards the islet. He made six attempts to storm it without success and was forced to retreat. Ibrahim then took over and attacked the islet with a large force, attempting three times to capture it, again without success.
In this battle, which lasted thirteen consecutive hours, about 2,000 of Ibrahim’s men and more than 1,000 of Kioutachis’ were killed; their corpses littered the lagoon. The battle of Kleissova was the last great victory of the besieged before the heroic Exodus. The outcome was celebrated throughout the city with dances and violins.
Today on the islet there stands a chapel to Agia Triada, built before the Revolution and renovated in 1846, and a memorial in the form of a funerary stele. During the events of the revolutionary struggle the church was more spacious, being then cross-vaulted with a dome, and having a parapet with battlements around the roof. On the day after the feast of the Holy Spirit and the festival of St. Symios, a service and tribute in honour of the fallen of the historic battle is held on the island. Fishermen carry in their boats the icon of Agios Simeon out to the chapel of Agia Triada and bring with them salted fish and egg-roes for the faithful.
