Discover the rich cultural heritage of Kasos through its remarkable museums and historic churches. The Archaeological Museum offers insights into the island’s prehistoric past, while the Maritime Museum showcases an extensive collection of nautical artifacts and documents.
Get a taste of the traditional ways of life at the Folklore Museum, housed in a typical Kasos home. Lastly, don’t miss the six quirky churches of Kasos, each dedicated to a different saint and featuring unique Byzantine architecture. Uncover the fascinating legends surrounding these churches and delve into the intriguing history and vibrant culture of this enchanting island.
Archaeological Museum
At the heart of Fry, a classic 19th-century residence, is home to the Archaeological Museum of Kasos, showcasing the island’s rich traditional architecture. The museum’s collection features an array of artifacts from Kasos’ prehistoric era, along with coins and inscriptions discovered in the Ellinokamara cave. Among the museum’s most treasured exhibits are the Hellenistic disk stones with inscriptions, unearthed at the Poli acropolis.
Address: Fry, 85800 Phone: +30 22450 41204 Website: www.archaeologicalmuseums.gr
Maritime Museum of Kasos
Housing an extensive collection of Anthony Chatzipetros, the Maritime Museum of Kasos showcases an assortment of artifacts from the bygone era of sailing ships. Visitors can explore everyday items, nautical instruments such as compasses, and a wealth of rare documents, including maps, calendars, books, charters, and wills. The exhibition also features family photographs, boat engines, and pension certificates, providing a comprehensive glimpse into maritime history.
Address: Fry, 85800
Folklore Museum
Situated in the quaint village of Arvanitochori, the Folklore Museum of Kasos occupies an old house and showcases the local lifestyle through displays of everyday household objects. Visitors can explore two rooms – the bedroom and the hall – featuring traditional Kasos-style décor. Also located in Arvanitochori, a historic flour mill houses a portion of the museum, exhibiting a variety of traditional tools employed by local craftsmen and farmers. The collection includes carpentry tools, farmers’ tagari, and weavers’ looms, all generously donated by the island’s residents.
Address: Arvanitohori, 858 00 Website: www.facebook.com/profile
Six Churches of Kasos
Be sure to visit the six historic churches situated in the Panagia settlement of Kasos. Local legends claim these churches were constructed to banish the ‘spirits’ that once inhabited the area, with each completed church and corresponding saint driving away a ‘fairy’spirit’. Ordered from north to south, the churches are dedicated to Agios Charalambos, Antonios the Great, Apotomi tou Timios Prodromos, Agia Varvara, Agios Ioannis, and Agios Nikolaos. These churches offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s distinct Byzantine architecture and cosmology of the area.
Address: Panagia. 858 00
The cave of Ellinokamara
The Ellinokamara cave on Kasos Island has attracted travelers and archaeologists for centuries. The first known sketch was created by L. Ross in 1843, followed by G. Susini’s detailed report and plan, which described various inscriptions and artifacts. R. Hope Simpson and J.J. Lazenby visited the cave in the 1960s, and an Ephorate team surveyed it in 1982. Despite differing opinions on the entrance wall’s age, the cave is believed to be a Minoan/Mycenaean worship site used until Classical times.
Address: Near Kathístres, Agia Marina, 858 00
Agios Georgios Monastery
The St. George Monastery, situated 10 km southwest of Agia Marina village in Hadies, boasts valuable paintings and a wood-crafted temple. Locals and expatriates maintain the monastery, and its surrounding buildings have been transformed into guesthouses, offering free accommodation for visitors.
Address: Hadies 858 00
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