Russian Naval Base

In the western part of Poros’ harbor, in a beautiful bay, lies the amphitheatrically built Russian Naval Base. After the end of the Russian-Turkish war, the Russians chose the sheltered harbor of Poros to establish a supply station for the Russian fleet. Thus, they built a complex that contained a significant number of buildings for the production of hardtack and the storage of materials, food and coal used to resupply the Russian fleet. At the beginning of the 20th century, coinciding with the decline of the Russian Navy, the then ambassador to Russia, Alexandros Tombazis, a native of Poros Island, suggested to the Tsar that the ownership of the site be transferred to the Greek State for the benefit of the Greek Navy. The Tsar agreed and the Russian Naval Base came under the jurisdiction of the Naval Service then based in Poros. In the following years, the facility fell into disuse and, thus, began to fall into ruin. Since 1989, by decision of the Ministry of Culture, the buildings of the Russian Naval Base have been designated as historic and preserved monuments.