Amorgos (Cyclades)
Amorgos
Amorgos is the most easterly of the Cyclades islands and it is also rather remote. However, ferries and hydrofoils call at both main ports, Katapola and Eyiali, during the summer months. The island is almost 18 kilometres in length and up to seven kilometres in width. The island is 134 square miles and in that area it manages to include three mountain peaks -- Krikelas (822m) to the north, Profitis Ilias (699 metres) in the middle and Korax (607 metres) to the south-west. The dramatic mountain scenery provides a fine backdrop to some excellent walking.
The island has a population of over 2,500 which is mainly to be found in the port of Katapola and in Chora, the main town, up in the mountains overlooking the east coast, and connected to Katapola by a regular bus service.
HISTORY OF THE ISLAND
The island was first inhabited during the Neolithic period and 14 sites dating from the Early Cycladic period have so far been excavated. In antiquity there were three main cities on Amorogos, all founded in the 7th and 6th centuries BC. Remains of all three can still be seen. However, the island played no important role in antiquity and is hardly mentioned in the histories.
During the Middle Ages Amorgos was ruled by the Dukes of Naxos but after the Byzantine Empire was restored to Constantinople, Amorgos was captured in 1268. Before the end of the century, however, the Venetians and Genoese defeated the Byzantines and Amorgos returned to the rule of the Dukes of Naxos until the Ottomans captured the island in 1566.
Being remote, the island suffered continually from the attacks of pirates and the situation got so bad that at one point the whole population moved to Naxos. The island remained remote even after the War of Independence and has therefore developed at a slower pace than other islands. This indeed constitutes one of its charms.
PLACES TO VISIT
Chora
The main town of the island, Chora, stands 361 metres (1,184 feet) above sea level. Above the town, are the 13th century Venetian fortifications.
Monastery of Khosoviotissas
The monastery was founded in 1090 by the Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenos and is situated at a spectacular site overlooking the Aegean Sea. The 11th century icon which caused the monastery to be founded can still be seen. The monastery can be reached on foot or by bus from the Chora.
Arkesine
The remains of the ancient city of Arkessini are close to the modern city of the same name in the south of the island. The fortress was in use from classical to Venitian times and the ruins include tombs, high walls and the remains of medieval houses.
Eyiali
The main town in the north of the island is Eyiali and the journey north from Chora offers fine views of the island of Nikouria.
Useful phone numbers:
Area Code 0285
Corner Rentabike 71867
Campsite 71802
By Ian Swindale
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