Astypálaia: Chora between the port and the castle

The Chora of Astypálaia combines a distinctive townscape with tangible traces of its architectural history. Houses, windmills and the Venetian Castle create a clear sequence from the old port to the hill. Churches and their construction dates add precise historical details to these spatial landmarks. On the scale of the island, outdoor activities offer another dimension. For your stay, it is worth considering the Chora’s cultural history and the opportunities offered by the island’s terrain as two distinct areas of interest.

A townscape from the port to the castle

The houses of the Chora extend from the old port, past the windmills on the central square, to the Venetian Castle on the hill. The port, square and castle are three clear landmarks in the settlement: the houses connect them in the sequence described. The Venetian Castle of Astypálaia was built in the 13th century by the Querini family. Its construction date and attribution place the castle in a specific historical context; the square with its windmills provides another point of reference within the townscape.

Eight windmills stand on the central square. Some serve as foreign-language lending libraries, while one houses an information centre. The windmills’ distinctive appearance is thus combined with a variety of uses. If you plan to use one of these facilities, check in advance whether the relevant lending library or information centre is open.

Churches with specific construction dates

Inside the Querini Castle are Panagia tou Kastrou (Evangelistrias) and Agios Georgios tou Glykavli. Panagia tou Kastrou was built in the mid-18th century; Agios Georgios tou Glykavli was built in 1790. These specific dates make the two churches distinct points of reference in the architectural history of the Chora.

Agios Georgios tou Glykavli also has a carved wooden iconostasis. This distinctive feature complements the church’s historical context with an element made of carved wood. Alongside the construction dates, this provides a specific architectural detail that characterises the church.

The Chora and the island’s terrain: two travel interests

Beyond its buildings, the terrain of Astypálaia offers another perspective: it is suited to outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing and mountaineering. These activities take place across the island, while the castle, churches and windmills shape the Chora’s cultural history. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can consider which of these interests you would like to focus on during your stay.

For Astypálaia, 20 example routes are presented along with the sights each route passes. Each route therefore includes specific destinations to consider when planning your trip. As well as individual buildings, you can also explore the sights along each example route.

Discover more destinations: Pserimos, Alinda, Emporios, Leros, Agia Marina, Panormos, Kampos, Lipsi

See the main travel overview: Kalimnos.