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

Despite the fact that Hydra was inhabited before our era, there are no ancient monuments on the island. The reason is that not a lot of people lived on Hydra during the heyday of Hellas and all the traces of their existence disappeared over time. But you can visit Hydra and admire houses and monasteries built in the 17th century. The buildings almost haven't changed.

Be sure to walk along the streets of Chora. Hydra, the capital of the island, was home for rich people and aristocrats from Greece. However, locals had enough money and could live in luxurious mansions too. Many gorgeous mansions can be found in all parts of Hydra and some of them are available for visitors. The most amazing interiors are in the mansions of Budury, Rafalias and Koundouriotis.

Pavlos Kountouriotis Mansion is located on the hillside full of pine trees. In 1991 it became a museum, where you can know about legends, customs and traditions of Hydra inhabitants. The Historical Archives Museum also deserves your attention. There is a rich collection of weapons, clothes and household items. There are not many ancient artefacts but some of the findings belong to the first settlers of Hydra. The huge library with more than 4 000 books is located on the first floor of the building. The oldest were printed in the 18th century. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Hydra is known as a source of inspiration among artists. There are many talented artists among locals. You can visit Melina Merkouri Hall and admire the works of Greek masters and know more about their life. It was named in honour of Greek actress and politician Melina Merkouri. There are exhibited various works of artists and you can also attend different master classes here.

Be sure to visit Panagia Zourva Monastery. It is a complex of buildings with the main church in the centre. A clock tower built in the 18th century makes this place a historical attraction. The 8th of September is the celebration of the Name Day of Panagia Zourva. You should also visit the Monastery of Prophet Elias. It is located 500 meters above the sea and you can admire picturesque views from here. This is the only male monastery on the island. There is a rich library with manuscripts in the monastery. The Church of Agios Konstantinos is located not far from the centre of Hydra. It is one of the latest cult buildings on the island.

Hydra is an ideal place for those who love church architecture. There are more than 300 cult buildings on the island. They are all of different era and size: from small chapels to huge cathedrals. The most beautiful of them is the Metropolis of Hydra, monasteries of Zouvra, Agia Triada, Agios Ioannis, the Holy Trinity Church, Agios Konstantinos of Hydra and the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin. There is also a well-preserved battery in Hydra which protected the island during the fights during the Independence War( 1821-1829).