Culture of Amorgos Island. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Amorgos became widely known in the height of Hellas. There are 3 independent city-states on the island, they are Minoa, Arkesini and Aigiali. The fact is that the island has a strategically advantageous location and there is a fertile soil on Amorgos. The island has been occupied by archaeologists for several decades because of a large number of ancient historical items here. The most exhibits were sent to the museum in Athens, but some of the items are still on the island. The scientists believe that the first settlers appeared on Amorgos in the prehistoric era.

The tower of Gavras is a perfect place where you can get acquainted with the work of archaeologists. The tower is situated in the capital of the island, Amorgos. It is an amazing monument of Venetian architecture built in the 16th century. There is an archaeological museum inside the building. The museum’s collection is rich with weapons, armour, tools and household items of ancient settlers and residents of city-states: Byzantines, Venetians, Turks and recent ancestors of modern Greeks.

There is a gorgeous ancient monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa not far from Chora. It was built in far 1088 by the order of Alexios Komnenos. The monastery was built in order to protect an icon. The icon is still in the building and it is opened for visitors every day. Moreover, there are various ancient exhibits in the monastery. But tourists should be dressed decently to enter the monastery. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Amorgos is an ideal place for those who want to walk and enjoy ancient Cycladic architecture. Amorgos, Katapola, Aigiali, and Arkesini were founded in ancient times and almost hadn't been reconstructed. You can find houses and churches, built several hundred years ago and walk along the narrow streets. The streets look like a labyrinth. They were constructed in order to puzzle enemies.

Be sure to visit Katapola and admire the remains of Minoa city-state. Once quite a powerful port city in ancient Hellas comprised a rather large territory and was influential enough to fight for power with all neighbouring settlements. Unfortunately, the fall of Greece, and later the destruction of the Roman Empire affected Amorgos. Some of the settlements including Minoa were abandoned and destroyed because of time and weather. Archaeologists still find here different artefacts of bygone eras.

You should definitely visit Panagia Katapoliani church in Chora. It was built on the foundation of an ancient building - the temple of Apollo. The Church is made in the true Cycladic style and it is an architectural masterpiece. Arkesini village is a place where you can see how people lived on Amorgos in the 19-20 century. Almost nothing has changed here, locals wear traditional costumes and live according to ancient customs and traditions. In general, Amorgos is a perfect place for people who want to get to know Greek history. There are many historical attractions, dated back to the era of the Hellas height.