Chora (Central village of Astypalaia)
Built in the Cycladic style, Chora dressed in white, spreads on a hillside retreating into the sea, and is crowned by the Venetian Castle, built by the noble Quirini family, offering a breathtaking view to its visitors. In the castle there are two all-white churches with ornate towers, the Virgin of the Castle (Evangelistria) and Saint George. On the mountainside, stand eight stone windmills, most of them have been renovated and used by the municipality for cultural events during the annual festival and as a tourist information office.
Archaeological Museum of Astypalaia
The Archaeological Museum of Astypalaia is a treasure trove of important archaeological finds, ranging from Prehistoric times to the Medieval era under the rule of the Venetian Quirini family. Coins, bronze and stone tools, jewelry, vessels made of clay, and other votive items exhibited, present a snapshot of the inhabitants’ daily life at different periods in the island’s long history.
Panagia Portaitissa
The white church in Chora situated below the castle is certifiably one of the most picturesque in the Dodecanese. Built in mid-18th century, its wooden decorations, covered in gold foil, are unique in their kind. On August 14th & 15th, a grand feast takes place in the church’s inner yard, where is served the traditional roasted lamb among other unique local delicacies.
Ancient Infant Burial Ground
A highly interesting site, dug on the sides of the island’s town, with a row of rectangular holes, in which were found the remains of infants buried in ceramic pots. The ancient cemetery, a rare archaeological find, dates from the early Geometric period (900-850 BC).
Useful information
- http://www.astipalea.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Astypalaia-PhotoBook-publication-GR-EN-IT1.pdf
- http://www.ai-journal.com/articles/abstract/10.5334/ai.1205/
- http://users.uoi.gr/gramisar/prosopiko/vlaxopoulos/ENGL_VATHY_VLACHOPOULOS%5B1%5D.pdf