Kastro
Kastro is the most picturesque part of Chora, a small fortress made by the Venetians in 1210 (Policandro). This will take you back to the Middle Ages when the Medieval town of Chora used to be surrounded by strong castle walls. The village of Kastro was built on the edge of a cliff to protect the inhabitants from pirates.
Some of the houses are over 1000 year’s old and still in good condition and used until today.
Today the walls haven’t survived and the town has developed around Kastro.
Church of Panagia
This beautiful Orthodox church is situated on the top of a hill with a magnificent view over Chora and the sea. There is a stone zigzag path that starts from Pounda Square Chora and it goes up to the church, which will take you around 15min walk.
It is believed that the church is constructed on the ruins of an ancient temple and is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. They have used marble parts from the ruins to build the temple and there are ancient inscriptions and bases of statues in the interior and courtyard of the church. It seems like the church was renovated in 1687 and again in 1821 which looks like its present form today.
The church is a one-aisle basilica with many domes and a traditional bell-tower. Outside the church is whitewashed, the traditional Cycladic architecture. Inside you will find fine frescoes, a marble throne for the archbishop and a marble iron screen. In the past the church was a female monastery and belonged to a nunnery. The exact year of the construction of the church is also unknown.
Inside the church is a silver icon of Virgin Mary and believed to be a miracle working icon. In 1790, 18 Algerian boats tried to get ashore of Folegandros, but desperate residents of Folegandros fled to the church to pray for their lives to Virgin Mary when a strong northern wind blew and sank all the boats of the pirates and drowned them. Since then Virgin Mary is seen as the protector of the island.
In accordance with an old Folegandros custom, the icon is carried to all the homes on the island during Easter.
Folklore Museum
The Folk Museum is located in Ano Meria and is a good example of a traditional 19th-century house. The Museum consist of 4 buildings, the old one goes back two years and the newer ones were built in the last decades in the style of the previous ones. There is a house and stable complex with all tools used in everyday life.
The museum is situated in one of the most beautiful rural residences with walls made of stone and mud, without the use of any plaster. In the museum you will find an old threshing floor, remains of an olive press, primitive wine press, panniers, jars, local costumes, utensils, lanterns, vases and an old loom.
This museum offers knowledge and understanding of the living conditions at that time.
The museum opened to the public in 1988 and has a library where you can refer to traditional practices. And they have an open-air theatre in the courtyard, which was once a threshing floor.
Open every year from 1st of July – 15 September, 17:00 – 20:00
Folklore Museum Phone number +30 22860 41370
Chrissospilia Cave
Chrissospilia Cave is located on the northeastern side of the island. The cave sits 10m above the sea and is protected by the Archaeological Services, which means you need a permit to visit the caves. These can only be reached by boat.
Findings in the cave includes human skeletons, potsherds, a Roman cistern and broken vases. Archaeologists have also discovered ancient names and surnames on the cave walls, written with clay, which indicated that the cave was a place of worship during the 4th century BC. Excavations are still taking place in Chrissosopilia Cave.
Chrissospilia Cave consist of two chambers connected with a narrow path. Inside these chambers you will find stalactites and stalagmites. Steps were built during antiquity that lead up to the cave and was called “Hellenic steps”.
It is also believed that young men would come to the cave from all over Greece, to take part in the right of passage to adulthood. Inside the cave they will be tested physically and mentally and take part in rituals.
It is not easy to reach and visit the cave, but well worth the effort if you do decide to visit the cave.
Aspropounta Lighthouse
The lighthouse of Aspropounta was built in 1919 and started operating in 1921. It is 58m above sea level and features and 11m tall light. The lighthouse can be seen while walking on the island of Folegandros.
Originally the lighthouse was lit by a wick until switched to a petroleum gas mechanism, and in 1985 it switched to solar energy. You can get the lighthouse by way of Livadaki or Ano Meria.
