Simi SIGHTSEEING
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ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF SIMI

PhotoThe archaeological museum of Simi is housed in an old mansion at Pano Simi. It includes pictures, beautiful wood-carved chests, traditional attire, Hellenistic and Roman sculptures, vessels, Byzantine and post-Byzantine coins, folkloric artifacts, hand-woven material and tools of everyday use.




CHURCH OF AGIA IRINI

PhotoThe church of Agia Irini is built south of the port Emborios. Next to the church, one can still see the ruins of a tree named Basilico, while inside the church, near the Altar, the paleo-christian indentation on the pillar is of significant historical value.




CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION

PhotoThe basilica-styled church of the Annunciation, which is also known as the church of Panagia Evagelistra, stands in Yalos. On the outside, there is its imposing bell tower, which was restored in 1908. Inside, one can admire the exquisite, wood-carved screens and the hagiographies. Almost all of the island's inhabitants gather here on its feast day.




MUSEUM OF NAUTICAL ART

PhotoThe nautical Museum is situated on Yalos. It includes miniature ships, maps, compasses, beautiful, wood-carved sailing vessels crafted by Antonis Polias, sponge-fishing accessories, and various nautical instruments and tools.



THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE CASTLE

PhotoThis Byzantine, basilica-styled church of the Virgin stands on the hill of the castle. According to archaeologists, it was built on an ancient temple of Athina "Akra" (Athina of the Heights). During the Turkish domination, it housed a "secret school". A large part of it was destroyed by a bomb during World War II. Inside one can admire notable icons, wonderful frescoes and ecclesiastical vessels. The most outstanding painting is the "Second Coming" by Georgios Klotzas which is displayed at the school inside the castle which functions even today. On the outside, its Russian-made bell catches ones attention with its sweet, harmonious sound. On the north side of the enclosure, one can still see the chapel of Panagia Portiani, where old and ruined icons used to be kept.



THE MONASTERY OF PANORMITIS

PhotoThe monastery of Panormitis stands 10 km southwest of Simi, and it is dedicated to the Archangel Michael. It is believed to have been built during the years of the Turkish domination. It has been reconstructed several times but its most important restoration was, done by the master Anastasis Karnavas between 1777 and 1873. Inside the monastery, one can see many paintings made by the local artists Nikitas and Michailos Karakostis, a lovely carved screen that bears the image of the archangel, and many votive offerings. Its vestry contains sacerdotal vestments, silverwork, jewelry, icons and offerings. The tradition has it that sailors placed this vestments in bottles which they washed up onshore. It is also worth seeing the chalice, the ornate gospel, the embossed and gold-plated epitaph, and a reliquary. The library of the monastery includes rare books and hand-written codices, most of them being donations by believers. Outside the monastery, one can admire the belfry, with its celebrated bell, made in Russia at captain Trekas expense, and the watch donated by the Simian sponge trader Faraklis. The locals call Panormitis a thief because, according to tradition, if a vow is not being redeemed, "he takes it back himself", as they say. In its festival, celebrated on the 8th of November and at Pentecost, the place is swarming with pilgrims from all over Greece. The visitors can stop overnight in its guesthouse, which can accommodate 500 persons. Only a few kilometers from the monastery, one can visit the lovely site of Faneromeni and the islet Seskli, opposite Panormitis, with the Pelasgian fortification walls.



THE MONASTERY OF THE GREAT SAVIOR

PhotoThe monastery of the Great Savior, 473 meters above sea-level, is near the monastery of Panormitis which it is dependent upon. It is a defensive Byzantine edifice surrounded by pine and cypress trees, and it is considered to be the island's most significant monument. Historical sources indicate that it is older than the monastery of Panormitis. On its walls, one can still admire oil paintings made at the end of the 18th century, and frescoes of St John, St Athanasios, St Fanourios, St Prokopios, St Cyril, St Artemios, the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and others. Also worth seeing is a wood-carved, gold-plated, exquisitely ornate screen. Around the central church of the Great Savior are the chapels of Agios Andonios, Agios Haralambos, and the Virgin Mary which have many chambers and courtyards paved with pebbles.


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