History & Culture
Mykonos is rich in landmarks, the most significant of which are the archeological sites. Among the architectural sights of Mykonos we should definitely mention several old churches, the buildings of which were built several centuries ago. The territories of some objects are still explored and researched by scientists and archeologists. The discoveries travelers can observe in the Archaeological Museum are rather interesting and manifold.
Delos
The excursions to Delos are organized every day. This is one of the most well-preserved Greek religious and cultural centers that have kept in safety their rich historical heritage. When in Delos, you can stroll around the iconic archaeological site which extends to about 3.5 square kilometers.In ancient times, it used to be a sacred place, enriched with majestic temples, whose ruins were discovered by archaeologists later on. The island used to host the most significant religious events in ancient history.
Ethnographic Museum
The most visited cultural center on the island is the Ethnographic Museum, located in the historical Kastro. The museum is housed in an old building, with six halls that include all the exhibits. The visitors of the museum can see collections of antique ceramics, national clothes and furniture, which local craftsmen made by hand hundreds of years ago. The museum contains a very interesting collection of archaeological finds brought from the nearby Rinia Island, including beautifully preserved funerary statues and amphoras.
Maritime Museum
In the small town Tria Pigadia, travelers will be able to visit the Aegean Maritime Museum with its amazing collection of ancient navigational instruments, nautical charts and models of ship. The museum, built since the end of the 19th century, features ample halls that keep several large collections. A significant part of the museum is devoted to the library in which more than five thousands of the rarest books have been collected. Historical documents, antique artifacts, sea maps and engravings, as well as a vast collection of coins featuring the theme of the sea are only some of the exhibits you can see. This museum is sure to please fans of paintings, as it features wonderful paintings and engravings of marine themes.
Windmills
Mykonos is not accidentally called the Island of the winds. Even in the Middle Ages, residents began to build windmills here. There are currently seven mills on the island. They were built in the 16th century and for many years served as one of the main source of income for the islanders; locals traded flour. Although the mills have not been used for a long time for their intended purpose, they are an important Mykonian symbol for the islanders. All the mills are maintained in excellent condition and are available for tourists to visit. Recently, a mini-hotel was opened in one of the mills for fans of recreation in unusual places.
Archeological Museum
Among the exhibited showpieces visitors will find household items, jewelries made of precious metals as well as religious artifacts. At present the museum also keeps the archeological evidences brought from neighboring islands.
A walk around Little Venice
The most attractive area for sightseeing is the Little Venice which is located in the south-western part of the island. A few centuries ago rich sailors built their houses and villas there, right on the coast. Numerous ancient villas are preserved till nowadays in their initial state, while others, after complete rehabilitation and modernization, were reequipped into night clubs and popular restaurants.
Monastery of the Panagia Tourliani
Among the most significant historical landmarks of the island, visitors can visit the Monastery of the Panagia Tourliani. The monastery was established in 1580 and it features snow-white painted walls, vermilion cupolas and elegant turrets. The monastery keeps the most precious religious relic being the ancient icon stand with miniatures of icons which is kept there since 1775. A part of the monastery is reequipped into a museum, exhibiting ethnic crafts.
Church of Panagia Paraportiani
Among the vast variety of religious landmarks tourists give preference to the Church of Panagia Paraportiani which is considered to be a unique architectural sight. Its construction began in 1425 and lasted several centuries. This ancient building is placed on high foreland, near the ancient fortress (Kastro) and it offers a breathtaking view to the sea. The outward appearance is quite unlike a church in the usual sense of the word. It is a small building of dazzling white color that consists of five chapels. In spite of the fact that this historical monument is devoid of any architectural excesses, it looks simply unique against the background of the sea blue.
