SIGHTSEEINGS - Uranos Studios | Accommodation in Amorgos

Explore Amorgos …

Sights

Amorgos packs a lot in to its small footprint. Basically, it’s mountainous, wild and deeply attractive. Countless churches and chapels, quaint and charming villages, imposing shipwreck and remnants of ancient settlements are some of the things to recall on your way back home.

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Panagia Hozoviotissa

Clinging in the rock face 300 metres above the sea, the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa is unquestionably the landmark of Amorgos. Dedicated to Virgin Mary, it was built in the 11th century and was one home of 100 monks. Being one of the oldest monasteries, in fact the 2nd in Greece, it is considered the most impressive monastery in the Aegean not only for its unique construction but also for the way in which its eight floors grip the rock. Climb 300 steps to admire the dazzling white of its walls against the deep-blue sky and sea.

Chora

The Cycladic capital of Amorgos is the epitome of charm and simplicity: homes decorated with bougainvillea, whitewashed walls and blue-painted windows and a labyrinth of narrow alleys. Visit the Venetian castle built in the 13th century at the top of a rock to enjoy the 360° panoramic view. Just opposite, on a ridge stand the well-preserved windmills which used to be up to eighteen in the 19th century. Don’t miss the Archaeological museum housed in majestic venetian style Gavras Mansion and admire ancient exhibits from the Minoan civilization found in Amorgos.

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“Olympia” Shipwreck

It is half submerged in the location of Kato Meria, near Kalotaritissa beach and became world famous when French director Luc Besson chose some scenes of the “Big Blue” to be filmed here. Since then, it has been featured in many documentaries and travel shows. It sank in 1980 and it remains there exposed to the rage of waves, offering this unique picture.

Asfontylitis

Asfontylitis was the largest rural settlement in Amorgos with signs of habitation from early historic times. It is located approximately halfway along the old footpath that used to join the Chora to the Hozoviotissa monastery and Aegiali area. The only path that connected north and south Amorgos. The ruined settlement is named after the flowering plant asphodel with a stone-filled landscape. The stones were used by inhabitants to form their terraces (to make crops) and yards, as well as to build wells and the chapel of Agios Nikolaos and Georgios. This dry-stone rural settlement is a typical example of Greek and Mediterranean architectural heritage. You can get to Asfontylitis by car nowadays, and then take the footpath down to the untouched beach of Chalara.

Agios Georgios (St. George) Valsamitis

Built in the 17th century, this chapel is a metochi (status of dependency) of the Hozoviotissa Monastery. Located on the southern side of Amorgos, around 4,5 km south of Chora, Agios Georgios Valsamitis stands on top of a hill, overlooking the valley beneath and the sea. According to tradition, in the 8th century, an icon of St. George was found here and so the residents built a small church in this location. It is named after an aromatic, pharmaceutical herb with great antiseptic action, locally called Varsamos (spearmint). The chapel is white-washed and has a paved courtyard. The ruined watermill, right next to it, testifies the existence of water sources in the past.

Epanochoriani

There are several churches in Amorgos dedicated to Virgin Mary, but certainly, the first among them is the Panagia Epanochoriani in Lagada, village of Aegiali. One of the biggest religious feasts of Amorgos takes place here in August. It starts on the 14th of August in the evening, offering a perfect chance to walk to this beautiful place while enjoying sunset. After the church ceremony, you can taste the local specialties of “revithia” (chickpeas) and “kofto” (wheat with cheese). On the morning of the 15th, “patatato” (goat with potatoes), “ksidato” (soup with goat and innards), and the famous “psimeni” raki of Amorgos are served.

Agia Anna (St. Anna) chapel

Visit the chapel of the legendary movie “Big Blue”. Located very close to Chora and some steps away from Hozoviotissa monastery, Agia Anna chapel is one of the most photographed places in Amorgos. It overlooks the popular (and crowded) beaches of Agia Anna and Kambi as well as the endless, mesmerizing sapphire sea. Among a small rocky cove with crystalline waters and caves, it has pure traditional Cycladic architecture. It’s no wonder that many couples choose this chapel to get married in Amorgos.

Minoa Ancient site

The ruins of an ancient city are located above the port of Katapola, at the top of Moundoulia hill and considered to be of great interest.It was one of the most important centers of human life and activity in Amorgos throughout ancient times.In particular, the archaeological findings suggest a thriving civilization that dates back from the 10th century B.C. to the 4th century A.D. A building that was dedicated to gymnasium type activities dominates the site but you can also see the ruins of a Hellenistic temple, a sanctuary from the Geometric period, a lavatory and a statue.

Agios Ioannis (St. John) Theologos

The monastery is located on a plateau, opposite mountain Krikelos, northeast of Lagada and it is dedicated to Agios Ioannis (John the Evangelist). It is a dependency of Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery and was considered to have been built during the years of iconoclasm. It is a three-aisled basilica with a dome and has preserved frescoes of the Byzantine period. About an hour of hiking is needed to reach the monastery, starting from Lagada. It is well worth the visit as the scenery, on your way to Agios Ioannis Theologos, is post-card perfect and aromatic with thyme, sage and mountain tea. Do not forget the religious festivals organized here twice a year: May and September.