HISTORY AND CULTURE
Ios is a popular Cycladic island that mesmerizes all the visitors with its amazing natural beauty and its rich historical and cultural tradition. Visit the ancient settlement of Skarkos that dates back to the early Bronze Age and learn about its great archaeological significance as it revealed to archaeologists important evidence about the organization of societies in the Cyclades during this period.
It’s worth to visit the Archaeological Museum at Chora of Ios to see ancient artifacts on display. Moreover, you can opt to go the Tomb of Homer at Plakotos where the greatest epic poet was buried according to the legend.
Another impressive structure on the island is Odysseas Elytis Theatre a recently built amphitheater that resembles the architectural style of ancient Greek theatres and where several cultural events are taking place during the summer.
The traditional windmills in Chora will also take you back in time to a period when they were used to produce energy to grind grains. Today they are mainly ornamental and they impress visitors with their architectural structure.
If you want to become acquainted with the religious culture of the island, it is also worth visiting the church of Panagia Gremiotissa, the saint protector of the island celebrating on 15th August.
Nearby Psathi on the road to Agia Thedoti, it is a great idea to visit Paleocastro, a byzantine castle on the top of a high hill with a stunning view of the infinite blue of the Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands of Paros, Naxos, Amorgos, and the Small Cyclades. There you will see the ruins of the castle built in 1397 to protect the island from pirate attacks. Inside its walls stands the chapel of Panagia Paleokastritissa.
It’s worth to visit the Archaeological Museum at Chora of Ios to see ancient artifacts on display. Moreover, you can opt to go the Tomb of Homer at Plakotos where the greatest epic poet was buried according to the legend.
Another impressive structure on the island is Odysseas Elytis Theatre a recently built amphitheater that resembles the architectural style of ancient Greek theatres and where several cultural events are taking place during the summer.
The traditional windmills in Chora will also take you back in time to a period when they were used to produce energy to grind grains. Today they are mainly ornamental and they impress visitors with their architectural structure.
If you want to become acquainted with the religious culture of the island, it is also worth visiting the church of Panagia Gremiotissa, the saint protector of the island celebrating on 15th August.
Nearby Psathi on the road to Agia Thedoti, it is a great idea to visit Paleocastro, a byzantine castle on the top of a high hill with a stunning view of the infinite blue of the Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands of Paros, Naxos, Amorgos, and the Small Cyclades. There you will see the ruins of the castle built in 1397 to protect the island from pirate attacks. Inside its walls stands the chapel of Panagia Paleokastritissa.
