Culture of Mykonos City. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Mykonos is rich in landmarks, the most significant of which are the archeological objects. The territories of some objects are still explored and researched by scientists and archeologists. Their inestimable discoveries travelers may observe in the Archaeological Museum which exposition is rather interesting and manifold. Among the exhibited showpieces one will find household items, jewelries made of precious metals as well as religious artifacts. At present the museum keeps the archeological evidences brought from neighboring islands. The most attractive area for hiking will be the Little Venice which is located in the south-western part of the island. A few centuries ago rich sailors built their houses and villas there. The buildings are set right on the coast. Numerous ancient villas are preserved till nowadays in their initial state meanwhile others after complete rehabilitation and modernization were reequipped into night clubs and popular restaurants.

The guests of the island should necessarily visit the Monastery of the Panagia Tourliani which is among the most significant historical landmarks of the island. The monastery was established in 1580. The landmark is presented with an architectural complex of ultimate beauty. The walls of the monastery are painted snow white and the building is crowned with vermilion cupolas and elegant turrets. The monastery keeps the most precious religious relic being the ancient icon stand with miniatures of icons which is kept there from the 1775.

A part of the monastery is reequipped into a museum which collection is concentrated on ethnic crafts. Concerning remarkable cultural establishments of the island the Aegean Maritime Museum is best worth noticing. The place of its location is a beautiful building of the end of the 19th century, ample halls of which keep several large collections. A significant part of the museum is devoted to the library which has collected more than five thousands of the rarest books. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Among other showpieces one will find important historical documents, antique artifacts, sea maps and engravings, as well as vast collection of coins featuring the theme of the sea. Mykonos is often called an “island of churches” as its territory has preserved more than three hundreds of religious buildings and constructions. Among the vast variety of religious landmarks tourists give preference to the Church of Paraportiani which is considered to be a unique architectural sight. The ancient building is places on the high foreland which opens a vibrant scene of the sea.

Those who are passionate about contemporary art will love the island. A couple of great art galleries are situated here, including Rarity Gallery, Minima Gallery, and the Big White Gallery located in the capital of the island, Mykonos Town. The island’s most remarkable places are generally concentrated here. The city is actually one large landmark—there are some places of interest wherever you go. For example, the Archaeological Museum (Λαογραφικό Μουσείο Μυκόνου) introduces visitors to the local culture by means of various exhibits such as clothes, coins, jewellery, household items.

In the vicinity of the cultural institution, there are the Mykonos windmills (Ανεμόμυλοι Κάτω Μύλοι) offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The windmills are actually the island’s stock-in-trade, as they are the first thing that tourists arriving at Mykonos Port see. They were built in the 17th century and functioned until the early 20th century when they lost their importance. The best-preserved mill is Geronymos (Γερώνυμου) that worked up until the 1960s. Today, it’s a privately-owned building. One of the reasons why the mills were necessary was the fact that the Cyclades in general and Mykonos in particular were very windy.

The complex consisting of Bonis Mill (Μύλος του Μπόνη) and Lena’s House (Σπίτι Λένας) is also worthy of attention. According to a number of Greek historians, the mill was built in the 16th century. It used to be owned by the Boni family—hence the name. The landmark is open to the public. Here you can learn everything about the island’s flour production. Lena’s House is an architectural monument of the 19th century. It was named after the last owner of the mansion, Lena Skrivanos. The 19th-century interior has been preserved in the house, so visitors can immerse themselves fully in the atmosphere of that time thanks to relevant household items, pieces of furniture, works of art, and decorations.

The incredibly picturesque Armenistis Lighthouse (Φάρος Αρμενιστής) is another great historic monument that witnessed many significant events. It’s interesting that a city situated nearby was named after the landmark—Faros Armenistis. Erected in 1891, the lighthouse has been a silent witness of numerous shipwrecks near the island’s rocks, including that of the British ship called Volta. By the way, another ship that foundered by the shore of the Cyclades is worth viewing on the seabed. It’s the Anna II to which diving tours are organized. It’s a unique opportunity, so don’t miss it.

Castle Panigirakis (Κάστρο Πανηγυράκης) located near Mykonos Town is perhaps the best place on the whole island, where you can take wonderfully beautiful photos. In the evening, you can enjoy magnificent views of the mills from here. The countryside blends in perfectly with the local landscape complementing the stunningly beautiful sunsets. Today, the castle is a hotel considered one of the best on the island. If you want to take a walk, you should definitely stroll along Matoyianni Street. It’s a paradise for those who love beautiful photos.