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

It is recommended to start exploring the Old town of Andros. You will see a picture familiar to many people from photos and video reports here. This is classic Greece with white houses with tiled roofs that cascade down to the sea. You should definitely look at the Tourlitis Lighthouse. It stands on a lonely rock in the middle of the sea. This is a very beautiful sight.

You can see the monument to the sailor and the ruins of an ancient fortress, as well as visit museums. The Archaeological Museum is particularly interesting. There are two of them on the island. One is located in Andros. You can find a second museum in the vicinity of the town in Palaeopolis. This is an excavation of the island’s ancient capital. You will see many interesting and unique artifacts from both the ancient Greek era and the Byzantine period in the exhibition.

Perhaps the Cycladic Olive or Olive Oil Museum is the most unusual museum. This is a small private institution. The owner personally conducts tours. You can get there only by making an appointment in advance. You can see the oil production process in full detail and learn the subtleties of growing olive trees here. The hospitable owners will enthusiastically tell you about the traditions of the oilseed business of Andros. You can taste different types of olive oil, drink tea, and buy souvenirs in the form of handmade soap or a bottle of olive oil. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Fans of contemporary art should visit the island’s Museum of Contemporary Art. The personal collection of the Gulyandis family and the work of local sculptor Michael Tombros is the basis of the permanent exhibition. In addition, exhibitions of contemporary artists and sculptors are constantly held in the museum. There is also a library and a small souvenirs shop here. The museum is located on the Feofil Kairis Square in Andros. Exhibitions are also held at the Kidonieos Cultural Center. It is located in the heart of Chora on Kayiri Street.

You can learn about aboriginal culture and their way of life in the village of Synetiu. The Folklore Museum of cultural heritage is located here. It is an authentic Andros house with a completely recreated interior. You will see everything that the people of Andros used a century ago in this museum. Utensils, clothing, furniture, household items, and tools are presented in the exhibition.

The Digital Museum also operates in the square during the season. The ancient appearance of the island – houses, cathedrals, and temples are recreated on screens using information technology here. You can take a virtual walk through the ancient streets.

The Folklore and Christian Art museum can also attract you. It is not so original but also interesting. It is located within the town of Andros. You can see various church attributes of different eras, hagiographies, and rare sculptural monuments here.

You should definitely visit the Andros Maritime Museum. The island has been a port center for many centuries. Its inhabitants were famous as sailors and fishermen. The sea also plays an important role in the life of islanders today. Marine magazines, maps, and photographs are collected in the museum. There are models of ancient ships and a lot of gear for both military and commercial purposes here.

Of course, you should visit the monasteries and temples on Andros. There are fewer of them here than on Tinos. But their number is also large here. Even if you are not a particularly religious person or belong to another Church, you should visit the strongholds of the Orthodox religion. Monasteries with miraculous relics and images are especially popular with visitors and pilgrims. This is the St. Nicholas Monastery and St. Marina Monastery. There is a large church shop at the Saint Marina Monastery. You can buy books, icons, rosaries, and more there. Believers from all over Greece come here to touch the relics and pray for the miracle of healing. The St. Nicholas Monastery is located near Andros (Chora). It is famous for the myrrh-streaming icon. It has miraculous power. The relics of several saints are also stored here. Panachrantos Monastery is a very beautiful place. It is located on a hill near Andros. There is also a miraculous icon here. The relics of Saint Panteleimon are kept in this monastery. You should also visit the largest monastery on the island. It is called the "Life-Giving Spring". You can see unique icons, old books, and manuscripts here. There is a small museum on the territory of the monastery. Ceremonial vestments of the clergy are represented here.

The village of Apikya should become a must-visit destination. Nature is amazing here. You can admire waterfalls, streams, a small lake, a mysterious cave, and just beautiful plants and trees. You should definitely take photos here. Perhaps, these are the most gorgeous views on the Cyclades. Mineral springs with healing water are located here.

There are also other unique objects that deserve attention on the island. So, you can see the rock in the form of a tower on Grias Pidima beach. The medieval fortress of Pano Castro is an interesting place to visit. It is located at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level. It is a monument of the period of Venetian rule on the island. In addition to the majestic ruins, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the island on the plateau. The famous tower of Agadaki is located in the village of Apatouria. It has not been preserved in its original form. But it was carefully restored. The cultural center is located here today. Various exhibitions, concerts, and lectures are regularly held here. Master-classes for children and adults are also held here.