Why Visit
One of the most enchanting yet less known islands of the Cyclades, Tinos is the religious center of the country thanks to the church of Panayia Meyalóhari (the Blessed Virgin Mary). Pilgrims from all over the country come here to fulfill their vows and to seek spiritual comfort. Tinos is the ideal place for nature lovers, architecture, art and tradition, and the perfect answer to the relative expectations. Tinos Town distinguishes for the Neoclassical architecture and the elegant mansions along the waterfront, the most beautiful villages of Tinos island are located in the inland. Pyrgos, Volax, Dyo Choria are some of the most picturesque villages to see. Surrounded by wild landscape, these villages have traditional architecture with white houses and paved streets.
Tinos island has been the home of many artists. In fact, there is a museum of marble art in Pyrgos to inform visitors about the process and tradition of this art.
As a holiday destination, Tinos island has a controlled development. Its beaches are sandy, clean and have a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for families and people who love quietness. Delicious fish taverns line these beaches, offering great meals by the sea.
History
Ancient times During the ancient times, Tinos was known as Ophioussa (ophis, meaning snake in ancient Greek), because of the great quantity of snakes crawling on the soil of the island, and Ydroussa (hydria = water places) because of its abundant water. According to ancient Greek mythology, Poseidon, who was the island's protector, chased the snakes away from the island and that was the reason he was highly worshipped in Tinos. An important sanctuary to Poseidon was even dedicated to him in Kionia.
The first inhabitants in the history of Tinos were probably the Phoenicians, followed by the Ionians in the 11th century BC. Two tombs from the Mycenaean period have been discovered in the area of Kyra Xeni, and about fifty archaeological sites with elements from the Geometric period to the 5th century as well as from the era of the Venetian Ghizzi family have been found in the area of Xombourgo. During the 6th century BC, Tinos was seized by Eretria and, during the Median Wars, the island came under the authority of the Persians in 490 BC. The inhabitants of the island regained rapidly their freedom after the battle of Marathon. Tinos became a member of the Delian Alliance, who was ruled by Athens, and instituted democracy.
In 386 BC, the island became independent. The new era of Tinos hardly favored prosperity, as it soon came under the authority of Philip of Macedonia. After the death of his son Alexander the Great, the island was ruled by the Egyptian Ptolemies, the successors of Alexander the Great. In the 2nd century BC, Tinos, with all the other islands and the mainland of Greece, became a part of the Roman Empire. During Byzantine times, the inhabitants moved from the sea town to the interior of the island in order to protect themselves from the many devastating pirate raids, which were in that period the great plague for all the Greek islands. The few things known about Tinos during the Byzantine times is that those were times of epidemics, fear and insecurity for Tinos as well as for many of the other islands.
Venetian times
In 1207, Tinos was conquered by the Venetians, like all Greek islands. The Venetian rule lasted longer there than any of the other islands in Cyclades and the Venetians managed to repulse the Turkish attacks with the help from the locals. As a result this ws a chance for Tinos to flourish in agriculture, art, industry and more. At the time of the Turkish rule Tinos had already been a town with many privileges.
The inhabitants had the right to wear their local uniform and to build churches and schools, the Turkish fleet was not allowed to come close to the island, the island was self-governed and the only Turkish residents were the Governor and the judge. During the Ottoman period the present-day capital began to developed, concentrating shipping and commercial activities.
This period was characterized by a great development, as commercial, industrial and shipping activities were strongly flourishing. The abroad influence on the everyday life of the inhabitants, gave Tinos the surname of Little Paris. Many inhabitants of Tinos went to found prosperous businesses in other places such as Constantinople, Smyrna, Alexandria and Trieste. Until 1821, Tinos was the most populated island of the Cyclades and the economic capital of the group.
Recent years
Tinos highly contributed to the Greek Revolution against the Turkish rule. The island became part of the Modern Greek State in 1830. After the liberation, Tinos became a pan-Hellenic religious and cultural centre. It is the birthplace of famous artists, who had a great contribution on the development of modern greek art. The history of Tinos is marked by the torpedoing of warship Elli in the port of the island in August 1940. During World War II, the inhabitants of the island suffered a lot from the Italian and German occupation but managed to contribute to the Resistance against the oppressors.
Museums - Archeological
Tinos is an island with strong religious and cultural identity, famous among the spiritual people and the pilgrims. It spans a rich history that begins from the prehistoric times. In the Archaeologicl Museum of Tinos visitors can view a wide collection with ancient findings like vessels and household items from the 5th century BC. The museum lies close to the famous church of Virgin Mary and the most important pieces come from the ancient temples of Demeter and Poseidon.
Tinos is the birthplace of many Greek marble scuplture artists whose works can be viewed in the Museum of Marble Crafts, in the village of Pyrgos. Apart from the fine exhibits, it also presents the history of marble from the antiquity to the modern times. Giannoulis Chalepas is the most famous scupltor in Tinos, renowned worldwide for his work. The museum, features his personal belongings and a lavish collection of statues and smaller works.
Right next to the church in Arnados village lies an ecclessiastical museum that consist of icons, rare frescoes and vestments. It operates for more than 25 years. Of great interest is the Museum of Tinian Artists located within the premises of the church of Evangelistria, in Chora highlighting the work of the local scupltors. On the similar theme is the Art Gallery, another exhibition that is worth seeing once you have visited the church.
Beaches
Agios Sostis, Agios Ioannis Porto, Agios Markos Kionia, Agios Romanos, Kolympithra, Kionia, Panormos, Agios Fokas, Isternia beach, Kalivia, Lychnaftia, Ormos Giannaki, Pachia Ammos, Leivada Bay
Religious Monasteries and Churches
The island of Tinos is strongly connected to the Greek-Orthodox religion being the home to the famous church of Panagia Evangelistria (Virgin), the symbol of the island. However, visitors can see noteworthy ecclesiastical and architectural monuments of both Orthodox and Catholic religion that coexist at the main town and the nearby settlements. The island suggests countless examples of old and newly built churches and monasteries.
The church of Panagia Evangelistria is the most important Orthodox pilgrimage site of Greece, dominating the centre of Tinos Town. It was built in 1823 on the site where the miraculous icon of Virgin was found. The church is an excellent example of religious architecture characterized by its well-decorated churches and courtyard. On August 15th, thousands of faithful arrive on the island for the great festival dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The Monastery of Agia Triada is equally worthseeing in Chora. It exists since 1610 in the island of Tinos and the monastery complex consists of a rich library, the monk cells and a folklore museum.
At the highest mountain of Tinos lies the Convent of Kechrovouni. It was built in 10th century and within its premises lies a beautiful church, a museum and numerous cells. In Ktikados village you will come across the church of Ypapanti which entrance is a pure work of art with carved marble. One of the oldest churches of Tinos is found in the village Tripotamos, the church of Eisodion Theotokou (Presentation of the Virgin). Beautiful frescoes made in the last three centuries adorn its interior.
Built in the middle of a green oasis, the church of Panagia Vrysiou has become the centre of Greek Catholics. The miraculous icon of the Virgin was made in 15th century and a couple of centuries later a church was built dedicated to the Virgin.
In the village of Exoburgo lies the church of Sacred Heart. Today it is officially the most important pilgrimage site of the Greek Catholics. It was built in 1724 and within its premises you will see a cave dedicated to Panagia Lourdi and a war memorial.
Finally, in Loutra village lies the historical Monastery of Ursulines. It was built in 1862 and until 1980 it was regarded as the educational center of Tinos where many young girls from the wealthiest families of Greece attended. For some time the monastery operated as the primary school of Loutra village and today it is open to the public.
