5 Euro Exodus of Messolonghi

A political and military centre during the Greek Revolution, Messolonghi was targeted by the Ottomans due to its strategic location. After two failed sieges, the Turks returned in force in 1825 under Kütahi Pasha and Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt. A successful naval blockade cut off resupply lines, while the city and its makeshift defence works were subjected to constant bombardment. After a twelve-month siege, decimated and exhausted by famine, the “Free Besieged”, as they were immortalised by the Greek national poet Dionysios Solomos, decided to fight their way out (“Exodus”), in the night of 10 to 11 April 1826, but most of them were massacred. The fall of Messolonghi shocked European public opinion and provided a fresh impetus to the philhellenic movement. For the unparalleled bravery of its defenders, Messolonghi has been declared a Sacred City, remaining an eternal symbol of heroism and self-sacrifice.