Panagia Gremiotissa
It was built on the hill of Chora in 1797. There, the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary (in Greek Panagia) is saved. This little church is the most known on the island, as it has a legend concerning the way that it was built. During the time of the Ottoman dominance, the Cretans threw the icon of Panagia into the sea so to save it from the Turks, until it was found by the people of Ios and they decided to build a temple in honour of Panagia next to the Metropolis. Nevertheless, the building was ruined every night and the icon was found up on the hill. There it was the position of Panagia Gremiotissa looking at Crete, the place from which it came.
The Cathedral Church of the Annunciation
You will find it in the centre of Chora. Its architectural design follows the Cycladic style, it is an impressive temple, painted in white with clear blue domes and white crosses on the top. Alongside there is a smaller church that of Saint John the Forerunner.
The church of St. Irene
This beautiful small church is located above the harbour since the 17th century. Because of its discernible location, it is the first thing that the travellers see as they arrive on the island and the last one as they depart.
Panagia Paleokastritsa
Panagia Paleokastritsa is a small, snow-white church, with trees all over and a view of Amorgos, Naxos and other Cycladic islands. Its celebration takes place every year on September 8th. It is located in the old castle of Ios between Agia Theodoti and Psathi. The castle was built in 1397 by Marco Crispo and its construction was probably based on an older Byzantine castle that existed in the area. To find low-priced packages for Ios, click here: https://www.thegreeks.com/en/hotels/in/ios
