{"id":1669,"date":"2022-04-05T21:23:07","date_gmt":"2022-04-05T18:23:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onar.eu\/about-us-ii\/"},"modified":"2026-04-21T23:14:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T20:14:34","slug":"tinos","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/onar.eu\/en\/tinos\/","title":{"rendered":"Tinos"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Tinos... the island of Aiolos, Poseidon & Amphitriti, religion, art & culture!<\/h3>
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According to the Greek mythology, Aiolos, the keeper of the winds, had established his kingdom on the top of Mountian Tsiknias (726 meters altitude).\nWhen the Argonauts docked Tinos to visit Aiolos, his twin winged sons, insulted Hercules and he vindictively killed both of them. Since then, Aiolos, in his mourning, unleashes the winds on the island. It is probably these winds, and the wild beauty they have created, that have inspired the numerous artists, sculptors, painters and intellectuals who have been born or lived in Tinos. Giannoulis Halepas, Lazaros Siotos, Nikolaos Gyzis, Dimitris Fillipotis, Nikiforos Lytras, Cornelius Castoriadis and Kostas Tsoklis, are some of them.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t

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Tinos is an island full of magic. First and foremost, the Church of Megalochari, one of the most important shrines of pilgrimage in Greece, houses the Holy Icon of The Virgin Mary. What definitely casts a spell on most visitors is the unique landscape, made up of gigantic rounded boulders sculpted by the winds, spread across the inland of the island, the beaches with their crystal clear waters, the 50 charming traditional villages scattered on the mountainsides, the local recipes and the lunar landscapes. 750 tiny chapels strewn in the fields, hills \u201cembroidered\u201d by thousands of kilometres of stone terraces, 600 dovecotes, excellent wineries, amazing hiking trails, museums and galleries, all compose a collection of fascinating images, that will bewitch your mind for ever!<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n

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DOVECOTES \u2013 STONE TERRACES<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the most characteristic elements of the folk architecture in Tinos are the dovecotes or pigeon houses. Almost 600 rural whitewashed buildings, built in the 18th and 19th century, mainly with slate, rock and asbestos are scattered around the island. Skilfully \u201cembroidered\u201d with stone, each one is unique. The Tinian dovecotes are a significant example of the innate creative talents of the Tinian people, the trademark of the island and one of the most impressive \u201cworks of art\u201d in the Cyclades.<\/p>\n

Another thing that beautifully stands out as you travel throughout Tinos, is the thousands of kilometres of terraced dry stone walls. These terraces cover about 80% of the island and have been created by generations of Tinian farmers to hold back the soil and grow their small crops, bequeathing us a fascinating landscape. No wonder why Tinos was described as \u201chandcrafted island\u201d by Corenlius Castoriades.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t

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GASTRONOMY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Food in Tinos could be described as a ritual that brings travelers closer to the island\u2019s culinary tradition. The local produce (that includes seafood, meat, wines, fruits, vegetables & herbs) is a significant part of the Tinian culture. The family wineries, the local recipes, the scents of the herbs that you will enjoy while strolling in the countryside (mint, sage, dittany, thyme and chamomile), will introduce you to an exciting gastronomic journey in Tinos!<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n

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THE CHURCH OF EVAGGELISTRIA<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the most important pilgrimage destinations for the Orthodox Christians in the word, is the magnificent Church of Evaggelistria (The Holy Virgin), which towers over the town of Tinos.\n\nThe remarkable church with the impressive bell tower (29 meters high), was built in 1823 and was the first architectural project undertaken by the newly established Greek State, after 400 years of Turkish rule.\n\nAccording to the folk tale, Saint Pelagia, a nun at the Convent of Kechrovouni, had visions of the Holy Virgin showing her the exact location of the Holy Icon. After a year of excavations, it was finally uncovered on the 30th of January 1821. This fact was interpreted as a divine message to the Greek people to continue their rebellion against the Turkish rule.<\/p>\n

The church is actually a complex of buildings including a museum, an art gallery, a bookshop, baptism chambers, confessionals and more. Exterior areas are \u201cembellished\u201d with wonderful mosaic floors with sea pebbles.
\nIn the main church, hundreds of offerings (tama) dedicated to the Holy Virgin, reveal touching stories of faith and gratitude.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t

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MONASTERY OF KECHROVOUNI<\/strong><\/p>\n

This monastery also known as the Convent\nof the Assumption, has been perched high on Mountian Kechrovouni on the 11th century. It is one of the most ancient and unique active convents in Greece. It is actually a complex of small whitewashed cells and churches. It combines the characteristics of Cycladic architecture with those of a venetian fortified settlement. Each year on the 23rd of July, a grand celebration takes place, commemorating Saint Pelagia.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n

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FESTIVALS \u2013 \u201cPANIGYRIA\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tinos is an island that treasures old customs and traditions to this day. Particularly in the summer season, the villagers organise feasts with traditional music, local delicacies, fine wine, singing and dancing. These feasts either commemorate the patron saints or are dedicated to local products such as artichokes, honey, wine, raki and oregano.<\/p>\n

Authentic hospitality and fun are guaranteed to all, who are lucky enough to attend a \u201cpanigyri\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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VILLAGES<\/strong>
\n\nThe 50 traditional Tinian villages, are considered open air museums of folk architecture. They are scattered on the mountains and the hillsides of the island, carefully hidden from the winds and the pirates, like precious jewels, blending harmonically with the wild landscape.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t

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Tinos is an island full of magic. First and foremost, the Church of Megalochari, one of the most important shrines of pilgrimage in Greece, houses the Holy Icon of The Virgin Mary. What definitely casts a spell on most visitors is the unique landscape, made up of gigantic rounded boulders sculpted by the winds, spread across the inland of the island, the beaches with their crystal clear waters, the 50 charming traditional villages scattered on the mountainsides, the local recipes and the lunar landscapes. 750 tiny chapels strewn in the fields, hills \u201cembroidered\u201d by thousands of kilometres of stone terraces, 600 dovecotes, excellent wineries, amazing hiking trails, museums and galleries, all compose a collection of fascinating images, that will bewitch your mind for ever!<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n

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PYRGOS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Start your day with Greek coffee and traditional custard pie (with syrup and filo), at the scenic Square of this village, under the shade of an old plane tree, next to the impressing marble fountain. Pyrgos is the largest village in Tinos, proclaimed not only as traditional but also as an \u201copen air museum\u201d. Every corner is a work of art. Wander round the cobbled alleys and admire the architecture of the whitewashed village and the art of marble in every aspect.<\/p>\n

According to the legend, Feidias, the famous Greek sculptor, taught the art of sculpting to the Tinians.\n\nSignificant Greek artists like Dimitrios Filippotis, Fytalis brothers, Lazaros Sochos, Georgios Vitalis and Giannoulis Chalepas, have left their legacy at Pyrgos.\n\nMarble workshops, galleries and the School of Fine Arts are functioning, continuing the tradition of marble sculpting.\n\nPyrgos museums are particularly noteworthy. The Institute of Tinian Culture, the Museum of Marble Craft and the Museum of Tinian Artists are hosting valuable modern Hellenic artworks.<\/p>\n

The House of Giannoulis Halepas, one of the most significant Greek sculptors, has been kept intact, giving you the opportunity to come closer to his everyday life and admire the artworks, photographs and sketches of this outstanding artist.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n

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VOLAX
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A village that masterfully balances between illusion and reality.<\/p>\n

The gigantic granite boulders, that mysteriously surround the village, create an unearthly scenery that will definitely stimulate your imagination. Theories about the origin of these enormous natural monoliths, vary. Could they be wreckage from a clash between the Olympian Gods and the Titans? Fragments of a fallen meteorite or a volcanic eruption? Undersea rocks? Regardless of how the massive, rotund, often animal-shaped granite rocks were created, the truth is that they offer one of the most imposing sights you have ever encountered. No wonder why Volax is one of the most remarkable meeting points of bouldering climbers in Europe.<\/p>\n

The mystical lunar landscape is not the only thing that makes this tiny village special.<\/p>\n

Wandering around the narrow paths, you will come across song lyrics and poems written on walls, windows and doors.<\/p>\n

We couldn\u2019t omit to mention that Volax is also the village of basket weavers.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n

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Useful contact details:<\/strong><\/p>\n