FOLEGANDROS SIGHTSEEING

Panagia is the most important church of the island, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin. It perches on a rocky face over Chora and was built on the site of an ancient temple; ancient epigraphs and statue bases can be seen in the court and inside the church. Panagia is a single-aisle, multiple-domed church basilica with a tall steeple. It was renovated in 1687, according to a marble inscription, and took its present form during restorations conducted from 1816 to 1821.

A marble iconostasis, the bishop’s throne, and the pulpit are the works of the noted Tinos sculptor Kaparias. A Byzantine-era icon of the Virgin, said to be endowed with miraculous powers, is housed within the church and is mentioned in island lore and pirate tales. Panagia is reached via a cobblestone path from Pounta square after a roughly 15-minute walk.

Chora’s old town comprises a medieval fortified settlement named Kastro. The northern side is built at the edge of a sheer cliff, 210 meters above the sea. The homes, many more than ten centuries old, are all inhabited and in good condition. Kastro has been declared under historical preservation and is under the purview of the local department of the Archaeological Service.

The Folklore Museum, is housed in a 19th-century farmhouse, or themonia (as the locals call it), located in Ano Meria. Exhibits recreate a typical farm household such as those that existed on the island through the mid-20th century. The museum was founded by the cultural association of Folagandros. During the summer months the museum is open daily from the 5-8 P.m.

Chrysospilia is located on the north-eastern side of the island, about ten metres above the sea. An admirable monument of nature that remains unexplored. In the interior of the cave you can see human remains, shards, and a Roman reservoir. During the 4th century B.C. the cave was used for cult worship and coming-of-age rituals. You can access the cavern from the land but it’s also accessible by sea only in calm seas. The community of Folegandros grants you special authorisation for your visit there.
The lighthouse of Aspropoynta was built in 1919, 58 meters above the sea; it stands 11 meters high.. The boats had the possibility of distinguishing his light in a distance of 17 nautical miles. When first built, it was lit by wick and later by a mechanism powered by oil and steam. Since 1986 it functions with solar energy. You can visit the lighthouse if you follow the path from Libadaki with a distance of 15 minutes or from the settlement Pano Meria.