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Places
of Interest.
The
Byzantine
Monastery of Chozoviotissa, the Patron saint of the
island. It contains rare icons and manuscripts.
Minoa
-
The Ancient site of Minoa, at Moundoulia Hill, above the port of
Katapola, was one of the most important centers of human life and
activity on the island throughout prehistoric times. Enormous excavation
project reveals evidence that the whole site of ancient Minoa was
constantly populated at a high cultural level from the 10th century
B.C. to the 4th century A.D.
The defensive wall from the Geometric period with its extensions
and bastions which surrounded the acropolis can be made out.
The long 4th century B.C. Gymnasium building dominates the archaeological
site.
The foundation of a sanctuary from the Geometric period have been
preserved at the peak of the acropolis. The Hellenistic temple on
the far left, surrounded by smaller buildings of worship is impressive
with the body of a statue standing alone in the middle. A characteristic
building on the south side of the Gymnasium site is the lavatory
which has been preserved almost intact with its duct cut into the
rock..
Kato
Lakkos - is a medieval cistern, which supplied the population
with water and whose initial use corresponded with the first organized
habitation of Hora in the early Byzantine era.Today's cavy form,
was taken during the Venetian domination, on the 15th century.
Agios
Georgios Valsamitis -
A
beautiful monastery, located on the right hand side on the road
connecting Hora to Kato Meria, surrounded by dense vegatation. Here,
the spring with its long history and folklore still flows. In former
times, the spring supported extensive gardens. Since 1700, the delicious
juicy grapes of Valsamitis, were quite famous. Valsamitis, was well
known in the nautical world, during the year of Turkish occupancy
for the prophetic qualities of the spring.
Hellenistic
Tower (Pyrgos) - In Arkesini, South Amorgos, the most
important ancient monument can be seen. Even though the tower is
half ruined it still dominates the plain standing beside the church
of the same name.Built in the 4th century B.C.from large four cornered
blocks, it protected the large rural population and the fertile
expanses of the area, as it had small windows, a water cisternand
a plumbing system.
Venetian
Castle - Hora the capital of Amorgos, is a small town
hidden behind the mountains, At its south-eastern edge the hill
is crowded with the old wind mills. The "Kastro" -castle
rock rises out of the village, as a guardian of Hora, over the years
since the Venetian occupancy. The historic rock with a height of
210 feet wedges for more than fifteen centuries the church of Kera
Leousa (our Lady of mercy), the oldest one in Chora, A narrow stone
staircase in the rock, leads to the small St. George Church from
which the entrance to the fortress with its preserved low gate is.
Around the rock's base,
spread the old stone buildings and forty churches of very interesting
architecture.
Theologos
- A very important early- Byzantine Monastery, one and
half hour's walk from Lagada village in Aegialis. It is built on
the site of an ancient temple at a very unique natural surrounding.
Twice a year ( May 8th & Sept.26th) there are authentic traditional
festivals at Theologos..
Higher up, the path leads between rifts and along amazing precipices,
to Stavros church, one more place touching on the boundaries of
reality.
Vigla
-
Opposite the village Tholaria., on Vigla hill ridge, overlooking
the small bay of Mikri Glyfada., was the acropolis of ancient Aegialis.The
biggest sculpture of the Cycladic Age was found at this area.
Agia
Triada -
Hanging on a ledge under an overhang, the small Agia Triada (Holy
Trinity) church, reminds of the position and appearance of Hozoviotissa.
It was built during the years of piracy and it was used as an occasional
hiding place for the Aegialis population. It is only 5 minutes walk
from Lagada village, and overlooks the whole area of Tholaria, Lagada,
and the valley of Aegialis with the port. There is a spring festival
every year, 50 days after Greek easter.
Ancient
Altar - From "Stroumbo", the village of "12
houses and 13 ovens", built on the rocks above the ravine,
there is view to the small Prophet Elijah chapel, built on the very
edge of a sheer cliff rising out of the deepest part of the ravine..
This rugged spot is an early Cycladic site, and a few feet from
the chapel, are the remains of an ancient sacrificial site curved
out of the rock. Hikers, can enjoy wonderful view of the whole wide
bay of Aegialis, Nikouria island, Lagada, and Tholaria in the distance
which make an enchanting back-drop.
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