The Ahepan Winter 2020 - 16

Visit Kastellorizo
A special to The Ahepan from the Greek Ministry of Tourism in
anticipation of the 99th Supreme Convention where AHEPA will be
celebrating the Bicentennial of Greece in summer 2021.

The remote treasure of the Aegean
On the easternmost edge of Greece floats one of the smallest and
prettiest islands of the Dodecanese complex, Kastellorizo. Called
also by its name in the ancient times, i.e. Megisti, the island has
a long history starting in the early Neolithic era. Its ancient name
lasted until the Middle Ages, when the Knights of St. John built
Castello Rosso on the reddish rock above the port. Obviously, it
is to that high castle with the double walls and the battlements
the name of the island is owed. The palmy days started for
Kastellorizo at the end of the 19th century thanks to fishing and
shipping. Recalling those days there are the beautiful mansions
along the coast. The nine square kilometer big island became
a tourists' attraction after the Academy Award®-winning film,
" Mediterraneo " was shot there some 20 years ago.

A beauty in the Aegean
Upon arriving, you will be left speechless by the beauty of the
harbor and that will be your rewarding for your long journey. Two
or three-storied neoclassical mansions, built amphitheatrically,
reflect their colorful facades on the sea and in your eyes. The minaret and the red dome of the mosque of 1755 will definitely catch
your attention, no less than the picturesque fishing boats will do.

Village promenade
Scenic Kastellorizo village is the island's only populated area.
Cobblestone alleys and traditional colorful mansions with
wooden and iron balconies beautify your walk through the village's two quarters, Pigadia and Chorafia.
Taste katoumari and strava, the traditional sweets offered in
local tavernas.

Upon your arrival...
-- To the 14th century castle of the Knights Hospitaller of the
Order of St John. It is on Castello Rosso, a hill of red rock,
which gave the island its current name.
-- To the following buildings: Town Hall (Kava area), Nea
Agora and Entefktirio (Agios Georgios area) which housed a
kindergarten in the early 20th century.
16 | THE AHEPAN · Winter 2020

-- To the Archaeological - Diachroniko Museum of Kastellorizo,
housed at " Konaki, " a historic, listed building. The gallery
dedicated to ancient Megisti is particularly interesting. Items
referring to the period from the early Christian years until the
post-byzantine times are on display in other galleries.
-- To the fourth century B.C. temple-like Lycian tomb below the
castle.
-- To Mandraki, a district with a small, picturesque harbor east
of the village center.
-- To Chorafia, where the 1903 Santrapeia Urban School is
located as well as Agios Georgios church.
-- To Agios Konstantinos and Agia Eleni church, the island's
patron saints. It was built in 1835 and its interior is supported
by ten, monolithic granite pillars which were transported from
the temple of Apollo in Patara, ancient Lycia.
-- To Kastellorizo Historical Collection, housed in a mosque at
the entrance of the port, in Kavos area. Exhibits include documents and photographic material referring to the modern
history of the island (19th century - 1948).
-- To Palaiokastro. It is two km away from the village and has
remained unaltered since the Byzantine times. Panagia tou
Kastrou and Agios Stefanos churches are within the castle
grounds. Below this area are acheres, ten cisterns built during
the Turkish occupation.
-- To Agios Georgios tou Vounou, a fortified monastery affording
a marvelous view.
Go boating to Galazio Spilaio (Blue Cave), the biggest and
most spectacular of all sea caves in Greece. It is known worldwide
for its rich " decoration " of stalactites. The reflections of sunrays on
the water light the stalactites creating a unique spectacle. If you
go further south, you will find Kolones, another impressive cave.

How to get to Kastellorizo...
By boat from Piraeus and Rhodes.
By plane from Rhodes.

www.ahepa.org

http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/dodecanese http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/dodecanese/rhodes

The Ahepan Winter 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ahepan Winter 2020