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Skiathos
Sightseeing
Kastro
This is the site of the medieval capital of the island. The walled town was
built in the 14th century and eventually after much travail abounded in 1829
with the foundation of Independent Greek State. The restored Church of
Christ gives you an opportunity to view some unique wall paintings of post
Byzantine art.
A fifteen minute climb will give you a breathtaking view and make it easy to
understand the reason it was chosen to avoid the attention
of marauding pirates. In those far off days it had over three hundred homes
and twenty churches. A part ruined mosque a crumbling wall and a cannon are
all that remains of those far days.
Access: The same as Kastro beach, then a 15 minute climb up steep steps.
Monastery of Evangelistria
Whatever mode of transport you use be sure to visit Moni Evangelistria (The
monastery of Annunciation). Founded during the Byzantine period (1790-1860),
it is surrounded by beautiful country side. With three domes a truly
magnificent iconostasis and many frescos, it gives strangers to the Greek
church an idea of the strength and power that once held the people of Greece
in such thrall. It also boasts an historical first as it is in this very
place the official Greek flag was raised in 1807 and provided great
economical and moral support during the Revolution of 1821. The monastery's
real treasure is the museum, with several artifacts from the past centuries
including Byzantine pictures, utensils of the church, vestments guns etc. On
15 August the ceremony of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary takes place.
Access: The monastery is easily accessed by bus or car. It is 4.2 km north
of Skiathos town, taking the right turn off the main road, right after bus
stop 1. (You cannot see the monastery until you are on top of it). It takes
about an hour if you walk but is a must see site.
Monastery of Kounistria
The founding of the monastery is related to the finding of the icon, around
the end of the 17th century. Many legends are heard about the holy icon. It
is called “Kounistra"
(the Greek word for swingable) because it was revealed in a miraculous way, on a branch of a
tree, swinging in the air. The icon can now be seen in Treis Ierarxes(The
three Bishops) church
in Skiathos town. The monastery has a beautiful wooden iconostasis decorated
with vine-leaves and grapes, and several frescoes.
The feast-day is on November 21, the day of the presentation of the Virgin
to the temple.
Access: To reach the monastery, turn right off the road that runs from
Troulos to Asselinos (3.8 km from Troulos bus stop 19).
Monastery of Agios Charalampos
Surrounded by a very picturesque landscape it is unknown when it was built.
Here, the writer of short stories Alexander Moraitidis remained withdrawn in
the last years of his life. The monastery has some magnificent icons.
Access: 2 km away from the monastery of Evangelistria.
Monastery of Kechria
Nowadays it is closed and deserted but very unique. It was built in 1540 and
renewed in 1738. Here you can admire the Byzantine art reflected on the wall
paintings of the church. The monastery is devoted to Virgin Mary.
Access: 8 km north-west of Skiathos town.
Bourtzi
A small peninsular the Bourtzi, divides the harbour in tow. There you will
find the ruins of a fortress built around 1204, which was destroyed in 1660
by the Venetians. It was surrounded by walls with bastions and loopholes and
at the right and left of the gate it had two round towers. After the
release, in 1906 in the centre of the peninsula was built a municipal
school, donation of Andrea Sygros. These days the old school has been
transformed into a cultural centre.
Musical events and photographic exhibition are held inside or outside the
main building. Apart from its cultural value a small café gives a chance for
some people to relax and is a perfect spot to watch the boats sail by.
Alexandros Papadiamantis house
An important attraction for any visitor to the island is the home of
Papadiamantis. This is where he lived and died and it preserves many of his
belongings.
The house was built by his grandfather in 1850-1860 and was bought by the
Ministry of Culture in 1974. He left Skiathos in his youth to study in
Athens University and returned to the island in old age, dying in 1911 of
pneumonia when he was 59 years old. He is indeed a noble part of the island
history, and out of his pride in his achievements a statue to his memory can
be found since 1925 at the entrance to the Bourtzi.
Perhaps its inscription sums up the man:
“As if the passions and sorrows of the world will never end”.
Access: Around 100 meters from the harbour end of the Papadiamantis main
street (see town map).
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