Tinos
Tinos is a Greek island situated in the Aegean Sea.. It is part of the Cyclades archipelago. The closest islands are Andros, Delos, and Mykonos. It has a land area of 194.464 square kilometres. Tinos is famous amongst Greeks for the Church of Panagia Enagelistria, its 80 or so windmillis about 1,000 artistic dovecotes, 50 active villages and its Venetian fortifications at the mountain, Exomvourgo. On Tinos, both Greek Orthdox and Catholic populations co-exist, and the island is also well known for its sculptors and painters, such as Nikolaos Gysis, Yannoulis Chalepas and Nikiforos Lytras.
1.Church Enagelistria
Evangelistria church is located on a hill overlooking Chora, the capital of Tinos. According to tradition, it was built following the visions of Saint Pelagia, a local nun from the Kechrovouni Monastery. Excavations carried out at the indicated place on the 30th of January, 1823, revealed an icon depicting the Virgin Mary praying. As the Greek War of Independence against the Turks had just started, this was considered a good sign and many Greek leaders, such as Kolokotronis, Miaoulis and Markiyiannis, came to Tinos to pray.Evangelistria Church is actually a complex of buildings erected on the site of an ancient temple of Dionysus and an early Byzantine church dedicated to Saint John. This imposing monument —the first remarkable architectural feat of the newly-founded Greek State— dominates the Town of Tinos and massive quantities of white marble were required for its construction. It is a three-aisled domed basilica designed and decorated by great artists from Smyrna. The three transepts are separated by arcades with imposing marble columns, while the ornately carved altarpiece, whose lower part has been gilded, is truly striking. The magnificent facade, with its two superimposed rows of arches and its neoclassic decorations, is flanked by a beautiful bell tower and two impressive flights of stairs that lead to the main entrance.
2. Tinos Poseidon sanctuary 
In ancient times, Tinos was home to the culturally important Sanctuary of Poseidon, located within walking distance from the modern settlement of Kionia. Interestingly, Tinos was the only Cycladic island that had dedicated an entire temple to Poseidon, the god of the sea. Along with him, his wife, the sea nymph Amphitrite, was also worshiped. Today, only the excavated foundations of this ancient temple can be seen in the area, serving as evidence of the island’s religious history.
Archaeologists believe the temple dates to the 4th century BC, maybe even a bit earlier, firmly placing it in the Hellenistic period. Around the 3rd century BC, it was reconstructed and its fame started to spread. Tinos quickly became an important religious center and many travelers would visit the site to seek healing from Poseidon, before venturing out to the sacred island of Delos. In January and February, religious ceremonies known as Poseidonia were celebrated to honor the god, consisting of theatrical performances, athletic events, and sacrifices.
3. Titian artists museum 
Found right next to the Chalepas museum, the Tinian Artists Museum displays works of the island's finest artists. Founded in 1930, the museum was originally housed in the courtyard of the Church of Evangelistria, before being moved to the picturesque village of Pyrgos. Most of the works showcased here were bought by the Holy Foundation of Evangelistria, while the rest were donated by the artists themselves.
Among the exhibits, you can see remarkable creations from some of the most important figures in the artistic history of Tinos. These include the works of Yannouls Chalepas, Georgios Vitalis, Dimitrios Filippotis, Lazaros Sochos, and more. Along with the marble sculptures, the original plaster models with distinct points of instruction set by the artists are also on display. This allows visitors to get an unprecedented look into the artistic process of marble crafting, further preserving this centuries-old tradition.
4. Marble quarries 
One of the most impressive sights in Tinos is its famous marble quarries. These unique spots are scattered around the island, with the most significant ones found on the northern side.
Marble and slate exportation has had a major role in the local economy ever since antiquity. The marble found throughout the island has strongly influenced the architecture of Tinos and the artistic inclination of the locals. Marbles originating from Tinos also shaped the art and architecture of many other regions in Greece and beyond, from ancient temples and sculptures to the use of marble in contemporary design.
The village of Panormos bears some of the most notable marble quarries, as do the areas of Marlas and Malli. The picturesque settlement of Koumelas uniquely features a natural body of water surrounded by gorgeous marble, which has become a popular swimming spot amongst many visitors. It should be noted that the marble "pool" is very difficult to access. Some impressive quarries can also be seen near Pyrgos.
5. Ursulines Monastery 
The Monastery of Ursulines was founded in 1862 by Maria-Anna Livs, who joined the Ursuline nuns in 1853. The monastery was once a thriving and autonomous community, with private farms, vineyards, gardens, a bakery, a tailor, and a metal smith among others.
During its long history, the monastery was a highly important educational center. From 1862 onwards, it housed an all-girls school, teaching young women from all over the country. The Ursulines’ reputation as one of the best institutions for education quickly spread, with many wealthy families throughout Europe and the Middle East sending their daughters to study there. Throughout the years, the monastery also functioned as an orphanage, boardinghouse, French-speaking high school, university, and Greek school.
By the early 20th century, the Ursulines Monastery had 36 nuns and almost 300 students. However, the outbreak of the Second World War would leave the convent in shambles, with the number of nuns and students dwindling dramatically. Following the war, the monastery would serve as the local primary school of Loutra up until 1984. Carpet-making and weaving also continued until 1991, the year that the monastery was completely abandoned.
Today, the convent has been transformed into a fascinating folklore museum. Visitors can venture out to various parts of the buildings, including the dormitories, the teacher’s room, and the room of arts. There, they will be able to see old furniture, tools used for sewing, painting, and photography, books, sacred vessels and vestments, and a photo gallery. There is also a theatre where performances used to take place. During the summer months, themed exhibitions and cultural events are held on the premises of the monastery.
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