SUNSET AT PANAGIA GKREMIOTISSA
Ios is one of the most famous destinations for summer vacations when it comes to entertainment. The island that never sleeps, with endless parties and fast-living nightlife, is the scene-stealer in this domain. However, Ios has many other aspects such as those of tradition, history, art, and natural beauty. The island hides many monuments and sightseeings that deserve your attention. The proudest religious monument that dominates the hill of Chora is Panagia Gkremmiotisa.
Ios’ churches
Many of the churches that Ios has have been characterized as historical landmark designation monuments of the post-Byzantine period, since they are considered as typical evidence of the Cycladic island architecture.
- According to the local tradition, the number of churches rises to three hundred sixty five, as many as the days of a year. Nonetheless, in the late 1960s this number declined as many of those were dilapidated or their tracks were lost.
- In their majority, churches were connected with a family, they were made of stone and clay scattered throughout the island, and they were destined, via the namesake saint of the church, to protect every family’s animals and property from malice.
- In Ios’ churches, your attention will be caught by precious graven images and famous painters’ artwork, those of Michail Damaskinos and Ioannis Skordilis, who found refuge in Aegean’s islands in the 17th century in their attempt 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 Agios Ioannis in Pyrgos and Panagia in Paleokastro. In the borders of the residential area, there are until today twenty-two churches and the known Panagia Gremmiotisa 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 Panagia
Panagia Gremmiotisa 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 vigil 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 inside the rocks of Mylopotas bay, lighted from a vigil 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 Gkremmiotisa yard, the three small churches that stand there (Agios Nikolaos, Agios Ioannis, Agios Eleftherios) justify the reason 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 feast of Panagia Gkremmiotisa that spreads joy to all visitors!
