Sikinos Byzantine Collection

Location: Chora

Located in the central square of Chora (Kastro) and hosted in a traditional two-floored residence, the Byzantine Collection features exhibits of the island's most important icons. The exhibition includes mainly post-Byzantine icons of the Cretan school, as well as pictures from the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine season of Sikinos, part of an early Byzantine temple as well as texts from travelers that explored the island.

Due to its small size as well as location, it was not rather easy for archaeologists to map down the historic evolution of Sikinos; however, the plethora of impressive churches suggests that the island was in a flourishing period since the 13th century, which reached its pick between the 17th and 19th century. One of the island’s most impressive edifices is that of Episkopi, a former Roman mausoleum that was later converted into a Christian temple, indicating that Sikinos has a strong presence during the times of the Roman Empire.

The icons are only put on display during the summer months and are moved to the church of Panagia Pantanassa during the winter.