Why Visit
In the ancient times, Sifnos island was considered the island of Apollo. Today this is among the most picturesque Greek islands. The villages of Sifnos are like little jewels of small cubic houses, narrow stone alleys, white chapels, flowered yards and colourful windows. Kastro is the most picturesque village, the old capital of the island that took its name from the castle walls that used to surround it in the Medieval times. Other nice villages are Pollonia and Exambela, while on the southern side there are tourist places.
The beaches of Sifnos are nice and sandy, with crystal water and relaxing atmosphere. Many beaches are organized, ideal for families and couples. Sightseeing is few, except for the lovely Monastery of Chrissopighi, the protector of the island. This guide of Sifnos offers all useful information about holidays there. Due to its location and the frequent ferry connection, Sifnos can be combined for holidays withParos, Serifos and Milos.
History
Most historic writings testify that the island was fist inhabited by the Pelasgous, then the Phoenecians, Cares and Leleges. These tribes were finally removed from Sifnos, as the Cretan King Minoan had ordered. The oldest traces of inhabitance in the history of Sifnos were found in the Neolithic times. Excavations have revealed small settlements in Kastro, as well as vestiges of an imposing acropolis at the site of Agios Andreas. In the Late Bronze Age (1600 BC), Sifnos came under the cultural and commercial domination of the Minoans of Crete. In 1400 BC, the explosion of Santorini destroyed the main centres of the Minoan civilization. The Mycenaeans took control of Sifnos and the other islands of the area. Today, Sifnos has an important number of Mycenaen findings.
Between 1130 and 1120 BC, the Ionians colonized Sifnos as well as the rest of the Cycladic complex. During that time, the new capital of Sifnos was established in Kastro. The high artistic, commercial and cultural development of Sifnos during this period is proved by the numerous marble buildings, bases of column, various objects, graves, water supplies and various sanctuaries. In the 6th century BC, the inhabitants of Sifnos were very wealthy due to the gold and silver mines of the island. This wealth is shown from the Treasury of the Siphnians in Delphi, where valuable items were stored.
A few years later, due to the lack of deposits, the local economy declined. During the Roman and Byzantine years, Sifnos was an exile land. In 1207, Sifnos fell under the authority of Marko Sanudo, duke of Naxos, who had by then all of the Cycladic Islands under his influence. Then Sifnos was ruled by a Spaniard and later it was given as a dowry to Nicolas Gozzadino of Bologna. Sifnos remained under the influence of the Gozzadini dynasty until 1537.
The culture of Sifnos flourished that time and in fact a Greek school was established, the school of Agios Tafos. During the Greek Revolution of 1821, Sifnos joined the fight against the Turkish rule, led by Nikolas Chrysogelas.
Museums - Archeological
Sifnos is home to three museums which expose the life and history of the island from the Mycenaean times to modern times. The only one that can be found in Apollonia is the Folklore Museum which guards the folklore tradition of Sifnos. It lies at the central square and includes various items used in the daily life of the locals, like agricultural tools, traditional costumes and others.The main exhibits are swords, old dresses, embroidery, carved objects and kitchen vessels.
In Kastro Sifnos there is a small Archaeological Museum. This museum houses a fascinating collection of exhibits from excavations on the island. The list includes marble heads, particularly a nice head of Kouros, remains of buildings and sanctuaries and some Hellenistic sculptures. Close to Exabela village is the Monastery of Panagia Vrysiani. Within its premises, you will see a small ecclesiastical museum with rare books and Byzantine icons.
Beaches
Chrissopigi, Platys Gialos, Vathy, Apokoftos, Faros beach, Heronissos, Kamares beach, Vroulidia, Dialiskari
Religious Monasteries and Churches
The churches, historic monasteries and picturesque chapels of Sifnos are spread throughout the island at the most remarkable spots inspiring visitors with their unique architecture and beautiful frescoes. Sifnos reveals excellent monuments which are worth exploring.
One of the most beautiful churches is Panagia Angeloktisti ("built by an angel") church located in Katavati village, close to Apollonia. It is decorated with mosaic floors and remarkable frescoes. On the way to the village of Platis Gialos is the holy Monastery of Chryssopigi. It is the saint protector of Sifnos and the rock is entirely cut off from the rest of the island, connected only via as small bridge. It is a symbol of Sifnos and one of the most photographed sites of the island.
At the highest peak of Sifnos is built the monastery of Prophet Ilias Ypsilos. The entire complex includes the main church and is surrounded by walls, underground galleries, basement rooms and the monk cells which now accommodate the visitors. A little closer to the capital of Sifnos, just outside Apollonia is the monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos. The 16th century church hosts some beautiful icons made from Cretan artists.
In the medieval village of Kastro you come across the church of Seven Martyrs, standing on top of a rock in the sea. It is the most photographed site of the island and visitors can access by the stairs carved into the rock.
Sitting on top of a cliff, between Apollonia and Platis Gialos is the monastery of Panagia tou Vounou (Our Lady of the Mountain). It was founded in 1813 by the monk Gerasimos Avranopoulos and offers a great view to its surroundings. Outside the village of Exambela is the monastery of Panagia tis Vrysis (Our Lady of the Fountain). This historic monastery was built in 1642 and played an important role in the social life of the locals. Inside the premises there is the Museum of Ecclesiastical Art and Tradition with various artifacts, manuscripts, holy vessels and vestments.
