SIFNOS SIGHTS
The entire Sifnos is an attraction. Wherever you turn your eyes, it sweetens your soul by its natural and architectural beauty. The people here have not only built houses. They have painted in white and blue, images of dreams. In Sifnos there is a strict compliance with the regulations for building houses. The residents are interested in where they want to live in.
There are many pretty villages worth visiting: Artemonas, a place with many mansions, the Picturesque Agios Lukas, Kato Petali as well as Kato Petali. Exambela is a picturesque village in altitude, with a spectacular view. Above, lies Katavati. It is built just above the capital of the island, Apolonia.
Kastro in Sifnos
It’s a historical place with very old churches such as Epta Martyres. It has got different Venetian architecture, full of dark arcades (Sifneou call them, loggias) that makes you believe, you’re not in the sameIsland anymore. You use one of those loggias to enter the castle. Going through Seralia, you can stay and eat at the restaurants.
Churches in Sifnos
If Sifnos is distinguished at first sight between the Cycladic islands, this is mainly due to architecture. An integral part of this captivating image is the chapels, built to worship God. Many of these churches are old, with a lot of history, apart from religious interest.
Many of them are dedicated to the Virgin, the patron saint of the island. Panagia tis Amou in Artemonas, and Panagia tis Vrisis in Exambela, a very beautiful monastery with great history. Famous is Panagia you Vounou, on the road to Chrysopigi. You have a view of Platis Gialos below.
Chrissopigi is the most important church in Sifnos. The monastery of Chrissopigi is dedicated to Zoodochus Pigi, but celebrates in the day of the Ascension, because that day, there had been a procession to rid the locusts of the island and of course, Mary had performed this miracle. So, in the day of the Ascension, if weather permits is, the image is transported by boat from Chrissopigi to the Castle. If there is too much wind or waves, it is carried to the castle by car. The next day, the procession begins. Hand in hand, one by one, gets the picture of Virgin Mary and passes it to the next person by his side. That way, Mary arrives to all the villages of Sifnos, tying its inhabitants together in this form of love and this feeling of loving protection.
In Sifnos all churches, even the smallest chapels, celebrate their feast. Someone (not the same person each time) indicates to the parish that he wants to be the one who will organise the festival. In the feast of the Ascension, besides all Sifnos residents (locals and tourists) also come officials from Milos and Syros. And for all this crowd there is chickpea soup and spaghetti with meat sauce. Eventually, over dinner, the diners knock the spoon to the plate and say “Cheers to Panigira!” (The person who organised the festival). In the rest of the festivals, however, things are less significant. Only the locals go, and there are usually just some snacks.
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