Many churches and monasteries dot the landscape of Astypalea. Built in a cave in the hillside of Chora, the Monastery of Panagia Flevariotissa was used as worship place in Byzantine times. |
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The Fortress of Rhodia overlooks the church with the beautiful white bell-tower. The icon of Virgin Mary in the church is a replica of an icon in the Monastery of Iviron on Mount Athos.
The church of Panagia Poulariani is situated on the road to Vathy.
There is a natural rock formation
here in the shape of the Virgin embracing a child. This church |
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12 kilometers to the west of Chora, is the Monastery of Agios
Ioannis, nestled between two steep slopes and offering a fantastic outlook at the islets of Ktenia, Pontikoussa and Ofidousa.
Gardens and streams below the church further enhance its beauty and its surroundings.
The church of Megali Panagia is breathtaking with pebbled yard. |