When it comes to entertainment Ios is the most known destination to visit for summer vacations. It’s the island that never sleeps, with endless parties and a furious nightlife that steals the show. However, Ios also has other aspects. Those of tradition, history, art, and natural beauty. You cannot miss some remarkable monuments and sightseeings. The most admirable religious monument that dominates the hill of Chora is Panayia Gkremiotisa.
The churches of Ios
Many of the churches that Ios has have been characterized as listed buildings as they are considered to be historical monuments coming from the post-Byzantine era and they constitute original evidence of the Cycladic church architecture. According to the tradition of the island, the number of churches rose to 365 as the days of the year, however, until the late ‘60s, this number decreased as many of the churches were dilapidated or missed. In their majority churches were scattered and destined for each family, they were made of stone and clay, and by the namesake saint of the church, they were protecting each family’s dwelling and land from other’s malice. In these churches, you will find precious graven images, artworks by the famous painters, Michail Damaskinos and Ioannis Skordilis, who in the 17th century resorted to Aegean’s islands to survive from the Turks. The sanctuary of small churches is used as an ossuary. Some of the churches that were located in the countryside were considered as parts of the monasteries, such as Saint John in Pyrgos and Panagia in Paleokastro. In the borders of the residential area, there are until today 22 churches and the known Panagia Gremiotisa is built in a prominent spot on the hill of Chora while being visible from all compass points. Travelers can have a look at Sikinos from that point, a small island located on the opposite of Ios.
The legend of Holy Mary
Panagia Gremiotisa church is designed according to the Byzantine architecture type and is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to the legend, the graven image, that is located in the chapel, traveled on a raft with a lighted virgin oil lamp on it, that the waves nor the wind managed to turn off while guiding the worshippers away from the Turkish-held Crete to the coast of Ios. Other local tradition claims that the graven image of mother Mary and Christ was found in the Mylopotas bay, inside the rocks, lighted from a virgin oil lamp, and transferred by the residents in the temple of True Cross. Miraculously though, the graven image was transferred in the night at the point that stands today, therefore the new church was built there in honor of Holy Mary. As ascending uphill to the Gremiotisa yard, the three small churches that stand there (Saint Nikolaos, Saint John, Saint Eleftherios), you will understand why the people of Ios feel that they live under the protection of Holy Mary. Another reason to visit this beautiful church, especially for those that feel romantic, is the view of the endless blue of Aegean and the sunset, which can be as spectacular as Santorini’s famous sunset. Finally, if you get the chance to visit the island in mid-August, you will experience unforgettable moments in the traditional celebration fest of Panagia Gremiotisa that spreads joy to all visitors!
