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…Where love is a way of life, passion becomes a song
and the dream touches reality.
KytheraAntikythera
Êythera and Antikythera are located
between Peloponnisos and Crete, in
the bosom of three seas, Ionian, Cretan
and Aegean.
They belong administratinely to At-
tica, historically and culturally to the
Ionian Islands and geographically to
Laconia. Kythera and Antikythera
stretch 300 sq. kms (279,5 sq. kms for
Kythera and 20,5 sq. kms for
Antikythera). The population of Kythera
is 3407 people and for Anti-kythera it’s
45 people (census 2001).
ÅÊÄÏÓÇ ÔÏÕ ÉÍÓÔÉÔÏÕÔÏÕ ÔÏÕ ÊÕÈÇÑÁÚÓÌÏÕEDITION OF THE INSTITUTE OF KYTHERAISMOS
www.kytheraismos.grÄÙÑÅÁÍ - FREE
ÊýèçñáÁíôéêýèçñá
Ôá Êýèçñá êáé ôá Áíôéêýèçñá âñßóêïíôáé
áíÜìåóá óôçí Ðåëïðüííçóï êáé óôçí
ÊñÞôç, óôçí áãêáëéÜ ôñéþí ðåëÜãùí, ôïõ
Éïíßïõ, ôïõ Êñçôéêïý êáé ôïõ Áéãáßïõ.
ÁíÞêïõí äéïéêçôéêÜ óôçí ÁôôéêÞ, éóôïñéêÜ
êáé ðïëéôéóìéêÜ óôá ÅðôÜíçóá êáé
ãåùãñáöéêÜ óôç Ëáêùíßá. Ôá Êýèçñá êáé
ôá Áíôéêýèçñá Ý÷ïõí Ýêôáóç 300 ô.÷ëì.
(279,5 ô.÷ëì. ôá Êûèçñá êáé 20,5 ô.÷ëì. ôá
Áíôéêýèçñá). Ï ðëçèõóìüò ôùí ÊõèÞñùí
åßíáé 3407 Üôïìá êáé ôùí ÁíôéêõèÞñùí 45
(áðïãñáöÞ 2001).
ÊáøÜëé - Kapsali
Agia Pelagia - Áãßá Ðåëáãßá
…Where love is a way of life, passion becomes a song
The island of Kythera was inhabited much earlier than the 5thmillenium BC according to archaeological discoveries because poterywas found in Agia Sophia near Kalamos village. Due to its key geo-graphical position has been greatly afflicted historically passingthrough the hands of a number of ambitious conquerors. Maraud-ing pirates crossed the island’s path plundering and destroying ontheir way. Thus the island experienced periods of prosperity but
also periods of total desolation. Around 1500B.C. Kythera came under the influence of theMinoans from nearby Crete, laterPeloponnesian kingdoms had an interest un-til the island became in habited by thePhoenicians, a trading people who establishedship yards and merchant trade around a thriv-ing industry producing a clothing dye“porphyra” (extracted from the shell of thesame name). They also brought with them theworship of the goddess of love and purity –the Celestial Aphrodite, that’s why they callKythera, the hiding place of love in the South.
Due to the geographical proximity ofKythera to the mainland opposite, theLaconians finally banished the Phoenicansduring the Mycaenian civilization (1500-1100B.C.) and took over the island. Classical timesand the Peloponnesian wars (431-404 B.C.)found Kythera regularly changing hands be-tween the Spartans and Athenians until theisland finally went to the Spartans in 387 B.C.During the early centuries of Christianity, theEast Mediterranean was open to attack fromArab pirates but once they were banished
from the area, Kythera was populated by Peloponnesians in thenorth and Cretans in the south. In 1204 the island was taken over bythe Venetians and in 1275 it came under Byzantium rule only to
Kythera: A short historic viewcome back to the hands of the Venetians shortly after.Kythera’s population dropped drastically when in 1537the pirate Hairedin Barbarossa raided the island slayingthe inhabitants and destroying the settlement ofPalaeochora. In 1540 when the Turks took overMonemvasia, the Venetians urged Monemvasians to settleon Kythera which they did, however, a second invasion ofthe island in 1571 by Turks and Algerians resulted onceagain in the island’s depopulation.
Kythera was dominated by Turkish rule only between 1715-1718until such time as the Turkish fleet was beaten and Venetian rulewas restored to the island.
In 1797, the French took over all the Ionian Islands includingKythera but by 1798, the islands were occupied by the Russians andTurks up until 1807 when they came back into the hands of the French.In 1809 the English acquired the Ionian Islands including Kythera. Itwas a prosperous period during which many beneficial public workswere carried out on the island many of which remain to this day.
In 1864, the Ionian Islands were finally reunited with motherGreece. Every year, celebrations to commemorate the unificationare held on the 21st May.
Ôóéñéãþôçò ôïõ 18ïõ áéþíá.Kytherian man of 18th century.
The name Kythera has its roots deep in-side history. Homer refers to Kythera in hisepic work the Iliad, while Goddess Aphrodite,the Goddess of Love is identified with theisland and takes the name Kythereia.(Akytheros refers to the man thatlacks charm). Other important writ-ers of ancient times such asHerodotus, Dionysios refer to theisland with its name of today,Kythera, and even Aristotle ( whoadmitted that the island had beencalled Porphyris - because of theprocessing of the shell porphyris(Rhodopsin murex) – but during histime it was known as Kythera.
Xenophon, in his Hellenica uses the term Kythereia land.On the other hand, the historian Isidor (1st Century
A.D.) held the opinion that the island was named afterKythereia Aphrodite. He referred to the ancient Greekverb Keftho which means (hiding love) in relation to theGoddess Aphrodite and the island or does it mean thatthose who fall in love on the island (Kythera) discover the
hidden passion of love.Quite often, the name of the island is found in its
plural form, such reference probably being made tothe nearby island of Anti-Kythera as well or the manysmall islands around Kythera.
What is the relationship between the two namesof the island, Kythera and Cerigo?
Research and study has shown that the two nameshave a correlated influence.
It is interesting to note that in Cyprus there is aplace name Kythraia or Kythra where statues of theGoddess Aphrodite were found and the commonname for that area is Jyrka. Quite a coincidence theinterrelation Kythera-Cerigo and Kythraia-Jyrka.
The symbolic meaningof Kythera
Kythera is also the name of an Asteroid that goes around theSun between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Not only the skies
however have adopted the name, but animal life from the seas - acertain species of shellfish has also been given the name Kythera.There is a flying insect (lepidopteron) as well as a particular type oforchid bearing a variety of colours, white, red green and brown thathave been given the same name.
The island Tahiti also has been named New Kythera.The 18th Century artist, Watteau, has given two of his most fa-
mous paintings the title “Embarkation for Kythera” and one more“The island of Kythera”.
In Greece, the contemporary tune with the lyrics “We will neverfind Kythera” and the Greek film “Voyage to Kythera” have madeKythera a household word.
Kythera-Cerigo: The historic island of love, allegïry Kythera-Cerigo: The historic island of love, allegïry Kythera-Cerigo: The historic island of love, allegïry Kythera-Cerigo: The historic island of love, allegïry Kythera-Cerigo: The historic island of love, allegïry & imagination imagination imagination imagination imagination
A bouquetof beautifulsemprevives
Jean Antoine Wateau (1717)Ç åðéâßâáóç ãéá ôá Êýèçñá
Kythera has become a popular destination for tourists resulting ofcourse in considerable development on the island which fortunately,to date has not altered its character nor the aura it exudes. It is idealfor walking, hiking, climbing, swimming, fishing and other aquaticsports; for dancing, sightseeing, exploring or just plain relaxation,
meditation or evenwinter hibernation!The island’s infra-structure provides agood road network,ports, airport, taxiservices hospital, oldage home. The islandhas over 60 towns andvillages a number ofwhich provide goodaccommodation. Thereare many restaurantsand taverns scatteredover the island some inthe most quaintest oflocations. A variety ofshops, supermarketsand tourist shops are tobe found in several ofthe towns.Travelling the island ofAphrodite is indeed ane x p e r i e n c e . T h e
island’s physical beauty is to be found in the beaches many ofwhich are easily accessible by road – others are more secluded –accessible by hiking or only by boat. Parts of the island areexceedingly green and others rocky and barren – but each bend inthe road presents a different image.Chora, the capital of the island : Here one can see one of the mostspectacular scenes in Greek landscapes which features regularly inGreek tourist promotion; the snow white houses nestled againstthe side of the hill crowned by the Venetian fortress at the base of
which lie the picturesque twin ports of Kapsali. Thetown is the administrative centre of the island withmost of the public services being based there e.g. MunicipalCouncil, Police, banks etc. Walkingdown the lanes of the town of Chora,you will admire the localarchitecture, the churches, thequaint and interesting shops. Aleisurely climb up to the fortress isdefinitely worth the effort – aphotographer’s delight!Kapsali is the hub of the island’snightlife – coffee shops and tavernsby day become discos and bars bynight. A very popular venue foryoung people.Going east from Chora you will comeacross Kalamos. Here at Spilies, youcan visit the cavern of Agia Sophiawith stalactites and stalagmites. Pottery dating to the NeolithicPeriod about 5th
millenium B.C. wasfound here. Not toofar from Kalamos isa beach with a longstretch of red sandyshore called FiriAmmos which has
become exceedingly popularparticularly since a tarred roadhas made accessibility so mucheasier.
The beautiful stone bridge in LivadiÔá Äþäåêá ãåöýñéá óôï ËåéâÜäé
´ ´ Ñ Á Ú Ê Ï Ó ´ ´´ ´ Ñ Á Ú Ê Ï Ó ´ ´´ ´ Ñ Á Ú Ê Ï Ó ´ ´´ ´ Ñ Á Ú Ê Ï Ó ´ ´´ ´ Ñ Á Ú Ê Ï Ó ´ ´
Travelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial Aphroditeand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissa
Also on the southern coast of the island are two more inviting
beaches, Chalkos and Vroulea.Following the main roadfrom Hora you arrive atLivadi, which is one ofKythera’s busiest andrapidly developing townswith a lot of commercialactivity. In the Church ofAnalipsi there is aByzantine museumfeaturing Byzantine andpost-Byzantine artifacts.On the eastern side of Livadi is the settlement of Katouni wherestands an historic stone bridge of 13 arches built by the BritishGovernor Macphail during the English occupation.From Livadi, another road directs you to Melidoni yet another ofKythera’s wonderful secluded bays conducive to swimming andrelaxation.Once again on the main road going north we come across Fatsadika,Kontolianika and Karvounades– which probably ranks as one ofthe larger towns withconsiderable commercial activity– supermarkets, bakery,pharmacy etc.From there we move to Fratsiaturning right at the juncture.Fratsia has the island’s biggesttown square where the localsociety holds an agriculturalfestival and here one can visit theSymbol of the KytherianEmmigrant – a symbolic gestureof acknowledgement to theKytherians of the Diaspora whonever forgot their homeland.Agricultural activities including
Travelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial Aphroditeand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissa
ÊáëÜìé - Kalami
A pot ïf 5000 years oldÁããåßï 5000 ÷ñüíùí(Kythera Museum)
Amongst the statues, tombstones, coins and various otherartifacts, the visitor to the Ar-chaeological Museum in Chorawill also be able to view the Lionof Kythera, a statue from archaictimes and heavy stone anchorsthat were recently raised fromthe depths of the sea off thecoast of Diakofti.
Kythera MuseumKythera MuseumKythera MuseumKythera MuseumKythera Museum
residents have taken pride in theirvillage and its development has been
very closely guarded conforming to its own architectural style.Adjacent to Avlemonas isPaliopolis – a wonderfulexpanse of sandy beach.Thisarea once known as Skandiawas a bustling port andshipbuilding area duringPhoenican times andconsequently, the area is fullof archaeological sites andinterest. Not far fromPalaiopolis is Kaladi which has become a popular beach to visit.Accessibility is not so easy as thereis a steep climb downwards of 100steps (and then upwardsagain ofcourse!!) but the hardy will beadequately compensated onreaching the crystal clear water andthe underwater enthusiast willtruly enjoy the pleasures of thesea.. Incidentally, Kaladi is alsoknown as “Lovers’ Nest”.
livestock farming provide the livelihood for a number of the familiesin Fratsia.All roads virtually head back to the main road and still going northyou can veer off to the left (head west) at another juncture anddrive through Arei until you reach Mylopotamos - a town ofcaptivating sights. The township took its name from the numerouswater mills that existed in times past. The local square is shaded byancient huge plane trees where you can sit and have a coffee, drinkor enjoy local homemade sweets. A must for the island’s visitor is awalk through the tropical forest to the waterfall Fonissa which hasfeatured in several films.A visit to Kato Hora at sunset is quite breathtaking. Here stand theremnants of yet another Venetian Fortress demolished by time.
Just out of Milopotamos arethe stalactite and stalagmiteCaves of Agia Sophia whichare rated amongst the bestin Greece and are open tovisitors on certain days atcertain hours. The distanceof going to Limnionas isworth it for a swim in itscooling waters.Directly across to the east arethe townships of Viaradika
and Mitata. You can reach these villages by following the mainroad and turning right at Aroniathika which heads out towards theairport. Historic documents dating back to 1120 AD.The creeksand springs running through the steep valleys have created a verygreen and fertile district with fruit trees in abundance. DuringAugust, the local society Myrtia holds a Wine Festival in the Mitatatown square where both tourists and locals are invited to taste thelocal wines straight from the barrel and dance till dawn.Today, one of Kythera’s most enchanting villages is Avlemonas onthe east coast. Signposted along the road to the airport, you cannotmiss the turn off. Not many years ago, Avlemonas was a simplefishing village of just a few very simple rustic cottages. Its local
The symbol of the Kytherian EmmigrantÔï Óýìâïëï ôïõ Áðüäçìïõ Ôóéñéãþôç
Kato Chora in MylopotamosÇ ÊÜôù ×þñá óôï Ìõëïðüôáìï
Mitata’s Wine Festival -ÃéïñôÞ Êñáóéïý óôá ÌçôÜôá
Kato Chora - MylopotamosÇ ÊÜôù ×þñá ÌõëïðïôÜìïõ
Travelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial Aphroditeand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissa
P A N A Y O T I SP A N A Y O T I SP A N A Y O T I SP A N A Y O T I SP A N A Y O T I SRENT A CAR - MOTORENTRENT A CAR - MOTORENTRENT A CAR - MOTORENTRENT A CAR - MOTORENTRENT A CAR - MOTORENT
Another turn off from the main road leading to Kythera’s airportwill direct you to Diakofti. What should have been a tropical paradisehas unfortunately become the island’s main port. However, its lovelysandy beaches and the brilliant hues of the waters reminiscent of atropical lagoon are still rewarding. The ferries to and from Piraeus,Yithion, Neapolis and Crete sail in and out of Diakofti at giventimes. Hotels, rooms and taverns are available too. Anotherarchaeological site of interest just out of the center of the town isthe underground cave of Chousti in which early bronze age artifactswere recently unearthed.Back on track towards the main road to Aroniathika we passFrilingianika, Castrissianika, Aloisianika and Kypriotianika. Each
village has its own particular style of architecture with special featuresand incredible views. A walk through the village lanes is definitelyworth the effort.You can see manydilapidated homespresently beingrestored faithfully inthe traditional styleby the originalfamilies whoseinterest in the islandhas been revived, ortheir new owners.
Aroniadika and Pitsinades are also representative of the trend inrestoration of old homes and as such the rising cost of real estate onthe island has had an impact on the local market.As stated before, all roads virtually lead back to the main centralroad which runs from north tosouth. So now the next turn offto a village will be atLogothetianika. A number ofsmaller villages such asPerlegianika, Dourianika andChristoforianika areinterspersed within the area.Logothetianika is again one ofthe island’s bigger villages withpermanent residents and a couple of truly traditional tavernas. Along drive but asphalt all the way – will take you to Likodimos – awonderfully rugged stretch on the western coastlinePotamos is by far the island’s busiest commercial town. There areshops of most descriptions – including homewares, hardware,clothing, furnishings, supermarkets, gift stores, pharmacy etc. Bank,police station, telecommunications and a branch of the MunicipalCouncil offers public services. There is a fully equipped and staffedhospital operating on a 24 hour a day basis as well as an Old AgeHome catering for the needs ofthe island’s aged. The SundayBazaar which is held everySunday throughout the year is acenturies old tradition that hasadhered through to the modernday. Here, local producers set upstalls with their home grownproduce, products or handicraftsin the town square. One can buyanything from tomatoes, beans and sea salt to jewelry. Potamos ona Sunday serves as a focal meeting point for Australians orAmericans of Kytherian origin to meet up with long lost friends orrelations. Bear in mind that an ouzo or two, or tsipouro is part ofthe social ritual!!
Automatic carsAõôïêßíçôá 7 èÝóåùíCars for 7 persons
Travelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial Aphroditeand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissa
This time we will take the low road and head off to Agia Pelagia. Enroute we come across a monument with a plaque stating “The siteof tears, joy and sorrow”. This monument symbolizes the point atwhich, during the wave of immigration – those who were leaving theisland to seek better fortune.Agia Pelagia has flourished into one of the largest towns, itsproximity to the sea attracting many young families who have madetheir home there. Thelarge number of hotelsand apartments onKythera have made AgiaPelagia a popularsummer tourist resortand along the foreshoresthere is a vast selection oftavernas and restaurantsfrom which to choose. Thebeach of Firi Ammos isnearby and Agia Patrikia- a safe haven for fishingboats – has a small boatbuilding yard.Accessible from eitherAgia Pelagia or fromPotamos directly, isKythera’s northern-mosttown of Karava – renownfor its hills and dales,running waters,numerous springs anddense vegetation. Many of the permanent islanders visit the springsof Amir Ali, Portokalia and Keramari on a regular basis for theirsupplies of drinking water. The panoramic views across the straitsto the Peloponnese give an entirely different dimension yet againto this island. At the northern tip of the peninsular stands theBritish built Lighthouse Moudari its flashing light guiding thehundreds of vessels that sail the channel at night. Below stretchesthe beach of Agios Nikolaos reached by a rather rough dirt road
and flanked to the left by one of Kythera’s oldest Byzantine churchesof the same name.Around Karava there are a number of villages such as Petrouni,
Yerakari and Broggi which likemost villages on the island wereonce full of life but today the fewremaining inhabitantsnevertheless appear to enjoytheir isolation.Within threekilometers of Karava is PlateaAmmo – another flourishingseaside resort with two or threetavernas – usually good for freshfish. The hotel rooms available
are increasing rapidly every year asthe wide stretch of sandy andpebbly beach (hence its name) andthe brilliant crystal clear deepwaters are too inviting to resist.
Fourni is yet anotherbeach on the outskirts ofKarava. Its days ofseclusion are over as toomany people brave therough road to get there.If at the end of your stayyou feel the aura, thecharm, the mystiquethat enshrouds thisisland surely it can onlymean that Aphrodite theGoddess of Love hastouched you and hasroused your innerspirits. Don’t forget itwas Aphrodite who rosefrom the waves of ourKytherian seas.
Travelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial Aphroditeand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissaand Panagia Myrtidiotissa
ÖïýñíïéFournoi
To the south and halfway between Kythera and Crete lies Antikytherawhich is anideal locationfor a tranquilstay far fromcrowds andnoise.Despite its tinysize, the islandhas significantarchaeologicaland physicala t t rac t ions .One can visitthe wellpreserved ancient walled city, Aigila or Aigilia dating around 4th – 1st
century BC or see the site where there is a well preserved neosikos andan underground area, used for either sacred or burial rites. Excavationscontinue during July-August, and often the visitor can be guided throughthe ancient area by the archaeologists and the diggers who are on thesite. This island is well known for two very significant archaeologicalfinds: the Ephivos (Youth) of Antikythera and the AntikytheraMechanism (the first electronic computer) both of which were raisedfrom the depths of the sea off the coast of the island and which itemsare currently on display in the Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Worth visiting also are the smallpicturesque churches, a Byzantine watermill and the lighthouse of Apolitiras on thesouthern point.Every year on the 17th August the island isinundated by visitors who attend thetraditional 2 day Cretan style festival heldto commemorate the name day ofAntikythera’s patron saint, Agios Myron.The crystal clear waters and beaches suchas Xiropotamo, Halara and Kamarela areideal for swimming. The island has somerooms for rent and a council run guesthouse.Two taverns at Potamos offer traditionaltasty fare with the island’s specialty beingwild goat and fresh fish. The island also
has a sheltered harbour suitable for yachts and other craft.
ô ï ë ï õ ë ï ý ä é ô ï õ ¸ñù ô áô ï ë ï õ ë ï ý ä é ô ï õ ¸ñù ô áô ï ë ï õ ë ï ý ä é ô ï õ ¸ñù ô áô ï ë ï õ ë ï ý ä é ô ï õ ¸ñù ô áô ï ë ï õ ë ï ý ä é ô ï õ ¸ñù ô áô ï ë ï õ ë ï ý ä é ô ï õ ¸ñù ô áô ï ë ï õ ë ï ý ä é ô ï õ ¸ñù ô áô ï ë ï õ ë ï ý ä é ô ï õ ¸ñù ô áô ï ë ï õ ë ï ý ä é ô ï õ ¸ñù ô áô ï ë ï õ ë ï ý ä é ô ï õ ¸ñù ô á
ÁÍÔÉÊÕÈÇÑÁ: Ôï íçóß ôïõ öçìéóìÝíïõ åöÞâïõ êáé ôïõ ðñþôïõ çëåêôñïíéêïý õðïëïãéóôÞANTIKYTHERA: The island of the famous Ephebe and the Antikythera first (ancient) computer
Ðïôáìüò - Potamos
Äßäõìïò íáüò Ðáíáãßáò êáéÁãßïõ Äéïíõóßïõ
Twin Temple of Virgin Maryand Agios Dionisios
Travelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial AphroditeTravelling the island of celestial Aphrodite
F R E S H F I S HF R E S H F I S HF R E S H F I S HF R E S H F I S HF R E S H F I S H
SPECIALITE LOBSTER SPECIALITE LOBSTER SPECIALITE LOBSTER SPECIALITE LOBSTER SPECIALITE LOBSTER &&&&& TRADITIONAL CUISSINE TRADITIONAL CUISSINE TRADITIONAL CUISSINE TRADITIONAL CUISSINE TRADITIONAL CUISSINE
The biggest castle in the island is that of Choras. It is said thatfortifications had been taking place before 1238; however, after theconquest by the Venetians, the first building expanded many timesuntil the works were completed in 1503. The destruc-tion of Paliochora by Barbarossa a few years later,forced the Venetian Authorities to look for a safeplace on the island to transfer the capital. So, theyrepaired the already existing castle, which started tobe occupied and slowly attracted many Kytherians,having as a result the expansion of the settlement outof the castle towards the east naming it Mesa Vourgo.
The castle of Chorahas been repaired many times, the lasttime being at the beginning of the 19thcentury, and is preserved in good con-dition, while in its interior there are vari-ous buildings and churches. One ofthese buildings houses the HistoricalRecord Office of Kythera and in thepast, during the Venetian Occupation,it operated as the palace of the locallord. You will also see Venetian can-nons, gun-emplacements, sentry boxesthe house of Politician Spyros Staesand so on.
As far as the churches of the castleare concerned, you can visit the tem-ples of Myrtidiotissa, which used to becatholic and later became orthodox,Panagia Orphani, Agios Ioannis andthe Pantocratora while in Mesa Vourgo
your interest will be aroused by the beautiful churches of PanagiaMesocho-ritissas, Agios Georgios, Agia Triada etc. The steep slopesnear the castle are decorated by the characteristic island flowers, thesemprevives, with their yellow colour, which have taken their namefrom the Italian phrase “sempre viva” (always live).
Southeast of the Potamos and in a natural fortified spot thecastle of Paliochora emerges, deserted but always impressive, as it
stand on top of steep cliffs and the gorge ofKaki Lagada. Paliochora or Agios Dimitrios,as it was earlier called, was build at the end of
the 11th century byMonemvasian technicians whowere its first inhabitants andflourished in the next four cen-turies. The city was a real for-tress, as strong walls protectedits settlements, which commu-nicated with each other so asfor the inhabitants to easily es-
cape in case of danger. Moreover, there wereno windows on the outer side of the walls so as no light could be seenat night. Moreover, the use of chimney was also avoided, resulting inthe city’s invisibility by sea and inapproachability by land due to thesteep cliffs.
However, all these measure were not enough to prevent thechief-pirate Hairedin Barbarossa, who managed to conquer the cityin 1537 and turn it into ruins. The moments of the conquest wereshocking as thousands of inhabitants were massacred, many weresold as slaves, while the plundering didn’t leave anything in its place.Paliochora never managed to recover from that blow and was neverre-inhabited.
Today, the once inhabited castle impresses the visitor with itswall and the desertedbuildings, its churchesand the rough scenery,which compose a specialatmosphere. You canalso visit the temple ofAgia Varvara (out of thewalls), the Lady ofPhoros (Panagia), whichremains in relativelygood condition, andAgios Antonios (with extant wall-paintings) it’s worth noticing thatthere were 70 churches in the city prior to its destruction.
Mylopotamos - The gateof the Castle
Kaki LagadaÊáêÞ ËáãêÜäá
Agia Barbara in PaliochoraÁãßá ÂáñâÜñá óôçí Ðáëéü÷ùñá
ÓðÞëáéï Áãßáò ÓïößáòThe cave of Agia Sophia
Ð þ ë ç ó ç ÷ ï í ä ñ é ê Þ - ëéáíéêÞT r a d i o t i o n a l K y t h e r i a n P a s t a
In Kato Chora Mylopotamos, one of the three settlements, whichformed the village, you can find the Venetian Castle of the area. Thiscastle must have been constructed many years before 1545, as onthat exact year, according to historical sources, the Venetians re-paired it. At the entrance, the visitor will see the lion of Agios Markos,the symbol of that period’s powerful Venice and the school, whichwas built during the English domination in 1825. The interior of theCastle was once inhabited, and one can admire the temples whichare surrounded by the walls: Agios Athanasios (with amazing iconsdecorating the icon-screen), Agios Ioannis Vaptistis (from 1518),Sotiras (with wall paintings from the 15th century), Profitis Ilias,Agios Ioannis Chrisostomos, Panagia Mesosporitissa and AgiosKosmas (with a stone roof in good condition).
An important castle, the so-called by the natives Castello, can befound in Avlemona. The Venetians, having valued the strategic po-sition of Kythera, originally built (in 1547) a tower in Avlemona, soas to protect the surrounding area and was expanded and took itspolygonal for in. At the top of the main entrance you can see the lionof Agios Markos, while some Venetian canons also remain. An areaof great historical importance is that of Ancient Skandia which istoday called Paliopoli.
In Ancient times, Skandia was the island’s most important portand its named is already mentioned by Homer, with reference to theKytherian hero Amphidamas, while references can also be found inPausanias. The area has been inhabited since Minoan Times, as anentire Minoan settlement was found on a nearby hill. However, thecity of Skandia was destroyed either by the silting of the two greatstreams in the area or by earthquakes or floods (tsunami) or evenby the volcanic eruption in Santorini. Nevertheless, the area contin-ued to be inhabited during historical times, as findings, which areplentiful in the area and assist scientists in constructing the histori-cal, “puzzle” of island.
Near Paliopoli, you can find Paliokastro where it is said that theKing of Sparti Meneleos kept his summer Palace, while legend has itthat here is the place where Paris and beautiful Eleni found refugeimmediately after her elopement. It is also believed that the templeof Celestial Aphrodite was on the temple of Paliokastro and many
The entranceof the castle
of MylopotamosÅßóïäïò
ôïõ êÜóôñïõóôï Ìõëïðüôáìï
findings, especially ar-chitectural remains,have been discovered.Today, one can admirethe small church ofAgios Kosmas and thebeautiful view of thevalley of Paliopoli.
Archaeological Sites and Monuments to visitArchaeological Sites and Monuments to visit
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Just to rembember... about KytheraJust to rembember... about KytheraJust to rembember... about KytheraJust to rembember... about KytheraJust to rembember... about Kythera
√ There are many caves of the Byzantine era which wereused as churches, many of which still have paintings on thecavern walls.√ The ship “MENTOR” sank off the coast of Avlemonas in 1802whilst transporting the stolen marbles of Parthenon. Most of themarbles were retrieved by divers and shipped to England.√ At the turn of last century, the township of Karava boasted anorange tree that produced 35-40.000 oranges per year and it wouldtake 2-3 days for the village donkeys to transport the oranges to PlateaAmmo for transportation to Piraeus by kaique.√ Kythera is probably the only place on this planet where its perma-nent population of approximately 3.500 people comprises only 1/20th
of its total outside Kythera. For every Kytherian household thereare at least another 5-6 related families living in scattered parts of theworld. √ In Fratsia a stone monument symbolizing the EmmigrantKytherian has been erected and its white marble plaque depicts acompass and two pairs of dolphins each headed in opposite direc-tions. Carved on the plaque are the words “In Remembrance ofMigration, Motherland dedicates”…Every Sunday, for the past 200-300 years, (possibly more) Potamoshosts a bazaar in the town square where predominantly local (andsome imported) products are peddled by local vendors and farmers.√ The bridge in Katouni (near Livadi) built during the British occu-pation, is the largest stone bridge in the Balkans.√ At Paliokastro, it is said that Menelaos, King of Sparta, main-tained a summer palace and it was here that Paris with the beautifulHelen of Troy, following her abduction, sought refuge and fulfilledtheir passion.√ At Ammoutses (near the airport) fossil remains that have beenfound in a particular hilly area are estimated by scientists to exceed 9million years in age.√ Makrikythera, the island opposite Diakofti was bought by the As-sociation of Greek Literary Writers in 1954 with a view to establishinga cultural centre for Pan Hellenic and international interests.
Just before the Monastery of MyrtidiaËßãï ðñéí áðü ôç ÌïíÞ Ìõñôéäßùí
The religious element has and always had a separate place in the heart ofKytherians wherever they may be. Their fervor and devoutness is proved fromthe number of churches not only on Kythera but also from the number of placesof worship that Kytherians have erected in other parts of Greece and abroad –wherever there is evidence of a prosperous Kytherian community.
There are four major monasteries on the island:The Monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotissa (located on the western side
of the island)and the original small church was built in 1857. According totradition, a shepherd found the icon between bushes of myrtle (myrtia) andit is for this reason that the Panagia in this instance was given the nameMyrtidiotissa. The outstanding characteristic of the icon is that the faces ofthe Panagia and Holy Infant were painted black. The Monastery celebrateson the 24th September each year and it is one of the island’s most importantreligious holidays.
The Monastery of Agia Moni is built at the peak of a mountain over-looking Diakofti and Avlemonas. A shepherd, whilst searching for his lost
flock of sheep foundthe icon of the VirginMary amongst thebushes. This particu-lar icon has the Pa-nagia depicted on theone side and on thereverse side there is anicon of St. George.The Monastery wasinitially built in 1840.The 1821’s freedomfighter, TheodorosKolokotronis is said tohave fled from theTurks and found ref-uge in the Monastery.He vowed that hewould restore theMonastery wheneverGreece was freed
from Turkish rule – and he was true to his promise. Just recently, a bust ofKolokotronis was erected at the intersec-tion of the roads which lead to Agia Moniand Diakofti.
The Monastery of Ossios Theodore issituated off the main road betweenPotamos and Aroniadika. This saint hadhis roots from Koroni and came to Kytherafrom Monemvasia in the 10th Century tobecome a monk at a time when Kytherawas a desolate wilderness. He lived in asmall chapel where the monastery now stands. On the 12th May 961 A.D. hefell into eternal sleep and three years later, he was found in tact by Byzantinesoldiers who passed by theisland. St. Theodore, is at-tributed with having broughtpeace and harmony back tothe island.
The Monastery of AgiaElesa was built in 1871 onthe peak of yet anothermountain 433 mtrs high withimpressive views. It was builtin memory of the tragic St.Elesa who was the daughterof an army officer, an idolworshipper from the Peloponnese. Elesa, a Chris-tian, fled to Kythera to get away from her fatherwho was angered by her refusal to marry the man hehad chosen for her. She disembarked at Melidoni, Kythera in 375 A.D. deter-mined lead a life of a nun instead. On the way up to the mountain, she beggedthe Lord to open the ground at her feet so that she could hide from her fatherwho was in close pursuit. The earth beneath her feet cracked open but herfather was already there, waiting for her. She underwent terrible torture atthe hands of her father. He whipped her, hung her from a carob tree andfinally decapitated her. Her grave today is located in the Monastery’s court-yard and the church commemorates her memory every 1st August.
Trypia PetraÔñýðéá ÐÝôñá
The Monasteries of KytheraThe Monasteries of KytheraThe Monasteries of KytheraThe Monasteries of KytheraThe Monasteries of KytheraThe Monasteries of KytheraThe Monasteries of KytheraThe Monasteries of KytheraThe Monasteries of KytheraThe Monasteries of Kythera
Churches and Chapels of the islandChurches and Chapels of the islandChurches and Chapels of the islandChurches and Chapels of the islandChurches and Chapels of the islandChurches and Chapels of the islandChurches and Chapels of the islandChurches and Chapels of the islandChurches and Chapels of the islandChurches and Chapels of the islandApart from its major monasteries andchurches in the towns and villages,Kythera has an extremely large numberof churches and small chapels ofparticular historical and artistic value.Many of these date back to the earlyByzantine period and are to be found inincredible locations all over the island –in caves, in fields, on rocks exposed tothe angry sea. Here below we refer tojust very few which are not necessarilythe oldest nor the most well known.Rest assured however that there is aninteresting story be it legend, be ithistory behind every sacred door.Agios Georgios which is situated at thepeak of the mountain overlookingDiakofti and Avlemonas has becomeone of the island’s foremost monumentsdue to the recent archaeologicaldiscovery of a Minoan peak sanctuaryin its grounds, dating about 3000 BC thefirst of its kind to be located out of Crete.
The Byzantine church of AgiosGeorgios itself however, is saidto have been built by theEmpress Theodora andsections of the floor mosaicshave been rather wellpreserved.Agios Nikolaos Krassas(meaning church mande ofwine) is a small church locatednear the monastery of Myrtidia
and owes its name to the fact that it was built using wine instead ofwater. Locals say that the “best view for sunrise is from Agia Moniand for sunset at Krassas”. So choose late evening to visit so thatyou may draw your own conclusions.
Agios Georgios - VounoÏ Áãéïò Ãåþñãéïò óôï Âïõíü
ÐáíïñáìéêÞèÝá áðü ôïí¢ãéï Ãåþñãéï
óôï Âïõíü
Panoramic viewfrom AgiosGeorgios -
Vouno
Panagia Orphane atMylopotamos
Ç Ðáíáãßá ÏñöáíÞ óôïÌõëïðüôáìï
Panagia Orphane at MylopotamosÇ Ðáíáãßá ÏñöáíÞ óôï Ìõëïðüôáìï
Agios Dimitrios at Pourko (just outof Livadi)– is one of the oldest ofthe Byzantine churches on theisland dating back to the 13th centuryand has unusual architecturalfeatures with well preservedfrescoes on the walls.
Agios Ioannis in the Cliff isfound in the cliff faceoverlooking Kapsali and was
built about 1633 and used as a monastery by monks at that time. Itis believed that Saint John the Theologian commenced writing hisApocalypse (Book of Revelations) here before going to Patmos.At Zaglanikianika (betweenAroniathika and Potamos) youwill find the unusual Byzantinechurch of Agios Nikonas and atDourianika the Byzantinechurch of Agios Georgios whichdates back to 1255.The island has many caves thatwere built into churches andanother fine example is that ofthe church of Panagia Orphaniat Milopotamos. Acharacteristic of this churchwhich is privately owned is thewooden iconostasi and the largesilver icon of the Virgin Mary.
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