Michael Akominatos, the Metropolitan of Athens when Constantinople fell to the Franks, and he stayed there until his death.
Another important church is that of Panagia Kastriani, the patron saint of the island. It dates to the 18th century and can be found on the hill of Kastro, at Ioulida, on top of a rock. This great location allows a very nice view towards the sea.
According to the legend, an icon of the Virgin Mary was mysteriously found on that site, and so the church dedicated to her had to be built there.
Tradition has it that some shepherds used to see a shine every night coming from this place. |
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to the step it was placed on.
Before this, a medieval castle laid on this area, which was demolished in order to build the church. Panagia Kastrani is actually part of a monastery that includes another church and three cathedrals.
In addition, it offers some rooms as accommodation for visitors, as well as a dining room. Although the other church -which is the most used- is larger and newer, as it dates from 1910, it perfectly matches the rest of the buildings concentrated on this site.
A great celebration takes place on this church every August 15th in memory of the Virgin Mary.
 Panagia Church on map
Another interesting church is the 19th century church of Agia Marina. Today there are just a few remains of the convent buildings, but there is still a plain little nice church that hosts an important three-storey high watchtower, although its original 300 feet height has been reduced along
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the island counts on in connection with churches and religious monuments.
There are many other churches scattered on the island, many of then located in the capital, Ioulida, which are really beautiful, decorated with elaborated carved wooden icon screens.
The Monastery of Agia Anna is constructed above Ioulida, the capital of Kea, and had played a prominent role in the developement of the island in the past.
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