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The villages on Serifos island have traditional character. Built according to the famous Cycladic architecture with whitewashed houses.
Greece » Cyclades

Why Visit
The villages on Serifos island have traditional character. Built according to the famous Cycladic architecture with whitewashed houses, paved streets and windmills, they provide nice places for strolling around. Particularly Chora is among the most picturesque villages of Cyclades, located on the slopes of a hill and offering fabulous view to the Aegean Sea.

With a coastline of 81 km long, Serifos offers many beaches with crystal water. Organized or secluded, sandy or pebbled, all beaches are ideal to enjoy privacy and relaxation. Among the most interesting sightseeing are the Old Mines above Megalo Livadi and the Monastery of Taxiarhes on the northern side of the island.

History
Early history Just like so many other parts of Greece, Serifos history relates to various myths and historical facts. The last prove that the island was already inhabited since Prehistoric times, according to the findings inKoutalas Cave. The Cretans came in the historical times and their economy was based on exploiting the mines of Serifos. After the Cretans, Serifos was inhabited by the Phoenicians and then by the Mycenaeans. These settlements left many traces like tombs, the 5th century White Tower and other monuments of different origins.

Ancient times
Later on, in the 6th century BC, the island had a rapid development, thanks to the mining activity. By those times, Serifos had already been a colony and was living in democracy. In addition, it is part of the Athenian Alliance and participates in the Persian wars. However, there are not many findings regarding this period, since many of them have been looted, while others are simply lost. So the few pieces that exist today are hosted at the Archaeological Museum in Chora. In addition, the Hellenistic period has left a wide range of monuments, such as Grias Castle, with its remaining sections of the walls, an oil press, and several clay and stone elements, among others.

However, in 146 BC, the island suffers the Roman invasion during the pirate attacks. But this did not mean that Serifos completely lost its autonomy, since according to the Roman use, the conquered locations could choose their direct governors. Serifos was also taken advantage by Romans as a destination for political exiles.

Medieval times
Then, the Byzantine period began, but it did not necessary mean an abrupt change in terms of organisation and development. The later Venetian domination, however, produced many improvements in economic as well as in cultural terms. This development has left traces that remain until our days. The culture development of Serifos is based on the Venetian constructions like the imposing buildings that you can see in Chora, whereas the reopening of the mines after 1000 years of inactivity was an important source for economical growth.

After this flourishing period for Serifos, a dark stage started when the violent Turkish domination combined with constant pirate attacks began and the mines were closed once again. The history of the mines, the main economic resource of the island, continues on to the 19th century, when the state of Greece conceded for the first time some mine companies to reopen and exploit the mines. In fact, along history, the flourishing of this placed has been defined by the utilization of this resource.

Present times
Today, although the population has decreased and the remaining inhabitants are devoted to agriculture and fishing, Serifos manages to attract tourists by means of its natural beauty, which is also one of its main current economic resources, hosting thousands of tourists every year.

Museums - Archeological
Serifos is home to some beautiful spots and museums that bear witness to the island's rich history and tradition. It counts on two museums. The Folklore Museum of Serifos is housed in a traditional building in Chora, the capital of Serifos. The museum shows age-old traditions of the island, including a fine list of traditional customes, tools and other items.

In Ano Chora, Serifos, there is also a small Archaeological Museum that exhibits findings from excavations around the island. It hosts fine collections from the Mycenaean to the Roman times, including sculptures and statues.

Beaches
Livadi beach, Livadakia, Megalo Livadi beach, Psili Ammos, Agios Sostis, Ganema, Kalo Ampeli, Koutalas beach, Lia, Platis Gialos, Sikamia

Religious Monasteries and Churches
Serifos counts on remarkable churches and historic monuments which are strongly connected with the local tradition and history of the island. More than one hundred churches and chapels are scattered in Chora and the surrounded settlements, most of which are restored Byzantine churches, monasteries and chapels built in remote spots.

The most significant religious monument of Serifos is the Monastery of Taxiarchon located in Galani village, just a couple of kilometers north of Panagia village. The male monastery was founded in 1572 with strong walls and embrasures which make it look like a fortress from a distance. It used to provide protection from the pirate aids.

The church of Panagia located in the homonymous settlement is the oldest church of Serifos, built around 950 to 1,000 AC. Its remarkable frescoes that adorn its interior date back to 14th and 17th century. It is also worth mentioning Agios Konstantinos, a picturesque chapel standing on the highest spot of the island, on 251 meters altitude where visitors will enjoy a splendid view of the Aegean and the islands of Kythnos, Kimolos, Milos and Sifnos.

The tiny church of Agios Ioannis Theologos is Carved between the rocks in Chora and according to the local tradition it is built over the ancient ruins of the temple of Athena. Other churches found in the main village include Agios Athanasios which is the Metropolis church of Serifos located next to the Town Hall, Agios Antonios and Holy Cross church.