In the middle of the island about 8 kilometers east from the Town of Mykonos is the most significant highlight of Ano Mera’s village the monastery of Panagia Tourliani.
Mykonos Chora, the charming and commonly known capital of the island.
The location and the way the town of Mykonos is build -inside the Northern eye- the port, the particular colors, it is an exceptional masterpiece.
Of all the churches in the town of Mykonos, it’s the most famous internationally majestic structure. It stands in the area known as “Kastro” and it is the oldest section of the town.
Paraportiani evolved over about two hundred years beginning in 1475. Four little churches were joined together to form the lower or main area of the church and a fifth church was placed on top to form the dome that we see today.
Discover the Mykonos Island
Considered amongst the most desired holidays’ destination in the world, famous for its cosmopolitan spirit and its extravagant nightlife, Mykonos Island invites you to discover the most amazing natural environments, its rich history and its picturesque Island villages.
Lying between the Islands of Tinos, Paros, Naxos and Syros in the Cyclades, near the Island of Delos, Mykonos, the Island of wind, is one of the smallest Islands of the Cyclades but one of the richest in terms of history, natural beauty and traditional Cycladic architecture and temper.
Featuring landmarks such as the Island’s mascot Petros the Pelican, the famous windmills, the area of Little Venice with Cycladic architecture constructions hanging above the sea and many more famous architectural sites and archeological museums to visit, Mykonos Island has so many facets that it will certainly satisfy and enchant all visitors and become their most memorable holidays’ destination.
Map Access
Azzurro Travel main office
Azzurro Travel main office is centrally located in Mykonos town in Fabrica square, 1 km from the old Port, 2,5 km from the new Port and 3 km from the Airport.
Mykonos History
Churches
On the western side of the port town of Chora, before you get to Little Venice you will find the imposing Paraportiani. Of all the churches in the town of Mykonos, it’s the most famous internationally majestic structure. It stands in the area known as “Kastro” and it is the oldest section of the town.
Paraportiani evolved over about two hundred years beginning in 1475. Four little churches were joined together to form the lower or main area of the church and a fifth church was placed on top to form the dome that we see today.From both an architectural and photographic point of view the organic lines that make up this building are truly unique.
In the middle of the island about 8 kilometers east from the Town of Mykonos is the most significant highlight of Ano Mera’s village the monastery of Panagia Tourliani. Built in the 17th century with its impressive well-preserved wooden iconostasis – carved in Florance – the church has a number of remarkable examples of folk art. The monastery’s bell tower is an artistic achievement with stone carved ornamentation on it. The Holy Monastery of Lady Tourliani was founded in 1542 by two monks and named the church the Presentation of Virgin Mary, and was restructured in 1767 where it took its present name after the icon Virgin Mary, which has been found floating in the Bay of Tourlos just outside of Chora, the main village of the island.
The church became the patroness of Mykonos and celebrates on the 15th of August. Inside the monastery are two museums, the Ecclesiastical Museum, which houses the beautiful Epitaphios of Aghia Eleni of Mykonos Town, and the Agricultural Museum which has a fine collection of farming tools.
Worth visiting is also the Monastery of Paleokastro, on the opposite hill, where one can see the remains of a Byzantine castle. There are remains of the ancient fort of the site, and also of graves of the Geometric period.
More churches & Monasteries:
- Agios Panteleimonas (17th century) at Marathié
- Agios Georgios in Ampelokipos
- The Catholic Church
- The Convent of Panagia
- Agia Kyriaki
- Panagia Panachra
- Megali Panagia or Metropolis
During the past there were several more such as Agios Loukas with its famous religious school on the 18th century, which is today the cemetery of Chora.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Mykonos Chora, the charming and commonly known capital of the island.
The location and the way the town of Mykonos is build -inside the Northern eye- the port, the particular colors, it is an exceptional masterpiece. No man and no plan would be able to create something so unique. A stroll in its narrow streets is enough to discover its beautiful position, scale and architecture. Matogianni is the most commercial street of Mykonos and in round from these roads you will find a lot of shops with jewels, clothes, popular art and whatever you want.
The coastal street maintains his picturesque. Around of these streets functions a lot of cafeterias and taverns. The feeling of getting lost in the narrow alleys with its small white houses, blue windows and wooden balconies that express the Aegean style is fascinating.
Windmills of Mykonos
The windmills of Mykonos are the trademark of the whole island. They can be seen from every point of Chora and they are the first thing to see when the ship gets close to the harbor, as they stand on a hill overlooking the area.
From as early as the 16th century one of the most recognized landmarks of Mykonos has been the windmills. Stood for centuries, compose a picture of unparalleled beauty in combination with red domes and bell towers of the countless churches.
Mykonos without her windmills would be as hard to envisage as Paris without the Eiffel Tower or India without Taj Mahal.
Alefkandra or Little Venice
Alefkandra or Little Venice is one of the most famous and cosmopolitan area of Mykonos Town. It is found to the east side of Mykonos harbor. It begins from the beach of Alefkandra and arrives to the old district of Castle. Little Venice characterize from the intense colored houses and there wooden balconies which rises out of the sea. The area is full of trendy cafe and bars and is one of the most crowded areas. It offers a fantastic sunset.
Petros the Pelican
An old celebrity of the town’s waterfront, “Petros” has been the official mascot of Mykonos for many years. Found after a storm in 1954 the pelican gave up its migrating to become a local resident. After more than thirty years of making the island his home, Petro eventually died. The loss of such a personality was so deeply felt by both Myconian and tourist alike that a replacement was soon found and a tradition established. Through the care and protection of the islanders, the spirit of Petros lives on in his predecessor who continues to this day to make his home on the islands waterfront. Nowadays three new pelicans live around the main town of Mykonos. One of them is also named Petros.