Famed Landmarks in Mykonos
Anyone who has visited Mykonos will confirm that apart from the golden coastline, ever so blue skies and lively party scene, nothing compares to an early evening promenade through the island’s Chora. The light of the hour, the constant lively buzz, the narrow alleys flooding with tourists and locals alike and the romantic ambiance in the air! All these put together can lead you anywhere from a gourmet restaurant, local tavern, medieval castle or an ancient site.
Let’s take a walk and see what we’ll stumble upon….
Panagia Parapotiani Church is the island’s most famed church. It’s also the most popular spot to take pictures during sunset! The 16th century church is found within the centre of Chora, known as the Castro area. It is a traditional Cycladic whitewashed structure, constructed during the Byzantine period. The most unique feature of the church is that it is a multifaceted of five churches, combined together to form one church. It took over two centuries to construct all five churches, which is the reason the church is asymmetrical and has different architectural styles.
Mykonos most famous trademark is its grandiose Windmills. They are hard to miss, as they dot the hillside overlooking the island’s coastline. The towering Windmills once played an important role to the island’s livelihood as sailing ships stopped to load wheat. The Windmills perfectly suit Mykonos scenic landscape, where they can be admired from afar. Bonis Mill has been preserved and is a museum visitors can visit and see from up close how the locals used to grind wheat as well as the machinery they used for the process.
The ancient Three Wells (Tria Pigadia) is yet another fascinating landmark in Mykonos everyone should visit, not so much for their structure but more for the mystery that surrounds them. The three ancient wells were built to supply Chora with fresh water. According to the legend, any virgin that drinks water from the three wells will find her future husband immediately. A man who drinks out of the three wells is said, will marry a local lady and live happily ever after on the island!
It’s hard to miss Petros the Pelican and his furry friends when exploring Chora! Petros the Pelican has long been the island’s celebrity. Petros was nursed back to life by a fisherman, after a devastating storm in 1954. When he recovered, the bird chose to make Mykonos his home. As the years went by, Petros became a famed persona on the island. When the pelican sadly died, the locals’ grief was so deep they soon found a replacement. Today, Petros the second is not the only pelican found on Mykonos. In fact, multiple pelicans, all known by their first names, have made Mykonos their home and attract the crowds, charming all passerby.
Last but certainly not least is Little Venice, the most romantic neighbourhood in Mykonos. Little Venice is made up of 16th century two-storey colourful buildings with balconies lingering over the glistening blue sea. The locals say that in the past the homes by the sea were owned by secret pirates who had to unload their treasures secretly by sea, thus they needed easy access from the sea. If you look closely you’ll notice that all the buildings had little back doors overlooking the sea where they would quickly store their treasure while still on their boats. Currently, the buildings have been turned into cafes, bars and stores. The neighbourhood appeals to all tourists as it represents the heart of Mykonos, vibrant, colourful and lively.
That’s all for now Mykonos fans! Stay tuned for more on Mykonos!