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Kythira island is a pure marvel of the Greek islands.
Greece » Ionian

Why Visit
Located on the southern side of Peloponnese, Kythira belongs to the Ionian islands, although it is located far from the other islands of the Ionian Sea. Famous for the relaxing atmosphere and the secluded beaches, the island also has many sights to visit. The Venetian Castle above Chora, the capital town, offers breathtaking view to the Aegean Sea and the southern coasts of Peloponnese. The monasteries of Agia Moni, Agia Elesa and Myrtidiotissa are among the most famous on the island, while the small church inside the cave of Agia Sofia is also worth a visit. Plus do not miss a stroll around the ghost village of Paleochora, followed by a swim in the beach of Lagkada below.

History
Ancient times
The Greek mythology says that Kythira was the birthplace of goddess Aphrodite, which is why there was sanctuary to her honor on the island. The history of Kythira started in the Minoan times (3000-1200 BC) and in fact the Minoans were using Kythira as a stop-over point for their travels to the West. For that reason, they created the settlement of ancient Skandia.

In the ancient times, Kythira was mainly under the control of Sparta but it was also frequently occupied by the Athenians, for it was located in a highly strategic spot in the Mediterranean Sea. With the decline of Sparta and Athens, the island lost its importance, but continued to be inhabited, according to archaeological findings dating from the Hellenistic and Roman period.

Medieval times
During the Byzantine period, Kythira was the seat of a Bishop. In the 7th century AD, the Byzantine emperor Constantinos donated the island to the Pope who, in his turn, gave it to the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Around the 10th-11th century, Kythira was considered an important power and became a part of Monemvasia. Around that time, many Byzantine churches and monasteries were built. In 1204, the Franks occupied Constantinople, as well as many islands. Markos Venieris occupied Kythira in 1207 and became the Marquis of Kythira. It is during the Venetian domination that the island was renamed Tsirigoand divided into three provinces: Milopotamos, Agios Dimitrios (today called Paleochora) and Kapsali. Venetians observed the island's strategic position and as a result they settled there and started to built many forifications around it. One of them is the strong castle above Chora that survives to this day.

The enforced feudal system and the frequent piratical raids made the local people unhappy and provoked a big decrease of population. In 1537, the capital of Agios Dimitrios was destroyed by the Algerian pirates of Haiderin Barbarossa. The Venetians governed Kythira until 1797, with one small break during which the island was occupied by the Russians, in alliance with the Turks, an occupation that influenced both language and architecture. In 1780, the island's inhabitants rose against the Venetian oppression. On the 28th of June 1797, Kythira went under French occupation, like the rest of the Ionian Islands, who established a democratic regime, giving hope for justice and freedom to the population. But a year later they were attacked again by Russians, supported by the Turks, who chased the French away from the island.

Recent years
On the 21st of May 1800, with the Treaty of Constantinople was founded the semi-independent Ionian State (which also included Kythira) under the supervision of the Sultan. However, the gentry still kept its privileges. The bourgeoisie and the peasants rebelled and attacked the small fortress of Kastro, occupying it on the 22 of July 1800. This period is called the Period of Anarchy. With the Treaty of Tilsit in 1807, Kythira went into French domination until 1809, when it came under English domination. In the 5th of November 1815, the Treaty of Paris established the Ionian State, validating the English occupation.

The inhabitants of Kythira took part in the Greek Revolution against the Turkish Occupation. Georgios Mormoris and Kosmas Panaretos were two of the best known fighers from Kythira. On the 21st of May 1864, the Ionian Islands were united with the rest of Greece. The wave of emigration intensified in the beginning of the 20th century, when people were massively leaving for America and Australia.

During the first World War, Kythira took part in the political movement created by Venizelos, formed an autonomous administration and strengthened the Allied Forces. The occupation of the Second World War by the Italians and the Germans increased the emigration, which became even stronger after the war. Today, 60000 individuals leaving in Australia are of Kythirian origin and several thousand Kythirians established in Athens and the city of Piraeus, where they constitute active members of the modern society.

Museums - Archeological
While you are in Kythira, it is essential to visit the few museums dedicated to the historic past of this island. The most important museum of Kythira is the Archeological Museum where you can view a unique collection of findings from the Minoan and Paleolithic period. It includes pottery, ceramics, archaic items, and sculptures from the Classical period.

Equally interesting is the Byzantine Museum of Kythira which is housed in the church of Analipsi, in the village of Livadi. The museum offers a rare collection of Byzantine icons and paintings as well as fragments of an important early floor mosaic and ruins from the church of Agios Ioannis Potamos.

Beaches
Agia Pelagia beach, Kapsali, Chalkos, Lykodimou, Avlemonas beach, Diakofti, Lagkada, Platia Amos, Agios Nikolaos, Kaladi

Religious Monasteries and Churches
Of unique interest are the churches and monasteries scattered in the island of the Kythira and on top of its green hills. Their architecture is strongly influenced by the Cyclades, the Ionian Islands and Peloponese. The monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotsissa is the most important and the largest of the island located in Myrtidion village, amid beautiful surroundings. The miraculous icon of the Virgin is its most valuable treasure, for which hundreds of faithful arrive in the monastery every year to pray.

In the middle of a tall pine tree forest, over Livadi village stands the 18th century monastery of Agia Elesa. According to the tradition, it is the site where Agia Elessa martyred in teh 4th century. Visitors will enjoy a view of the entire island and relax. Equally beautiful is the holy monastery of Agia Moni set on the mountain slopes over the village Diakofti. The cells of the monastery are available to the visitors. Other churches that worth a visit in the island of Kythira are Agios Petros, Agioi Pantes, Agia Anna, Estavromenos church, Agios Ansdreas, Agios Dimitrios and Agios Georgios.