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Amorgos
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| Amorgos, the island of the "Deep Blue" is located at the Southeastern edge of the Cyclades, 136 n.m. from Pereus. It is an oblongue island with an abrupt mountainous morphology. It features two natural ports, Katapola at its centre and Aigiali at the North. Amorgos is distinguished for its archeological wealth, popular architectural art, and local customs. An abundance of archaiological ruins, sites and findings bear witness to the fact that the island has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The island of Minoas, Arkesini and Aigiali, thrived at the peak of the Cycladic civilization promoting commerce, navy, the letters and arts. At the Northeast of Chora, the monastery of Panagia of Hozoviotissa is located. It was founded by the Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komninos in 1088 and it is considered a most important site. Austere and simple as it is, it is in perfect harmony with nature, hutched behind the steep, thretening rocks which protect it and make it visible only from the sea. It derives its name from an area called Hozova at the Holy Land from which the icon of Panagia (Virgin Mary) was taken. Katapola is the best natural harbour of the Cyclades.
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 It is built at the north tip of the island and is the second harbour. The picturesque villages of Tholaria, Lagada and Potamos are all built amphitheatrically overlooking the bay and providing an intense beauty to the region.Ormos is the fourth village, built near the sea and provides the island's best beach. Aigiali has got 430 inhabitants.the island's second harbour with its beautiful beach, and Arkesini, built near its ancient namesake, all draw the visitor's attention immediately. The local residents occupy themselves with agriculture and animal farming as well as with fishing, which is plentiful since in this region of the Aegean sea fish is abundant. The recent years the people's emphasis on tourism boosted their income and enabled many families who had migrated to return to the island.  The Arkesini village is 15 kms. away from Chora In this village we come across little houses built at the slope of the white mountain Korakas. One thinks that they are about to slip and fall as then overlook the valley of Kato Meria and send off a sweet fragrance from their neat clean yards.The 100 inhabitants employ themselves in cattle raising and fishing, just like most of the people of the island do. The imposing parish church of St. Onoufrios stands out at the outskirts of the village stressing the religious sentiment of the people. A visitor can also find a tavern, a general store, a cafe and rooms to let. Arkesini was one of the three most ancient cities of Amorgos and the tower of Agia Triada, which is invisible from the sea, was erected at the fourth century B.C. It is believed that this tower consisted one of the fortresses of the ancient city and was built to protect the local people from any sort of raids.. |
