Most of the churches are located near Hora’s area.
| Aghios Georgios
Valsamitis |
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Located outside the little town of Hora, this church is
a dependency of the Hozoviotissa Monastery.
Built in the 17th century, it is the ancient oracle of the island.
It combines
Ottoman and Byzantine elements.
According to local folklore legend, a holy water spring was located on the site
from which prophecies were made.
Because of that, the church had such an important
fame during Ottoman period that sailors were coming from all around the region
to see it.
It is a three-aisled basilica with a roof in arches.
The view from there
towards Katapola is amazing.
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The visitor must then climb some stairs to reach the church were the famous icon that gave the name to the monastery, is on display.
The legend is that this miracle-working icon of the Virgin Mary was found in the sea, during the Iconoclastic period, having travelled from Asia Minor, Cyprus or Jerusalem.
Every Easter Sunday the icon is carried in procession until the Hora and carried back to the monastery the next day, where a big “panigiri” (religious feast) takes place.
The five monks who live there welcome the tired visitors with Greek sweets and “rakomelo” (a Greek strong alcohol beverage with honey).
In the Monastery one can also see the old school founded at the beginning of the birth of the free Greek State.
For more...
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This impressive big church is located in the village of the same name, two kilometres
beyond Kolofana.
The church was built by the inhabitants of the village to protect them from evil,
coming under the frequent attacks of pirates.
From that time, people from all over the Cyclades come to honour the protective
Saint.
Located in the town of Hora, this is one of the oldest churches on the island. It was built on the foundations of the early Christian Basilica.
Further into Hora one can find the church of Agioi Pantes (All Saints), right to the square’s little town. This Byzantine church is elegant and has some lovely icons of the Cretan School. It was renovated in 1644.
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