Chora: Marble Doorways, Alleys and Hiking Trails

Chora lies 400 metres above sea level and is the capital of Amorgos. Narrow, winding alleys, whitewashed houses and squares shape the townscape. Those interested in architecture and local history will find distinctive details not only on individual buildings but also on their doors: Chora has thirty churches, and most preserve renovation inscriptions on their elaborately worked marble door frames.

Churches, marble doors and a cistern in Vorina

The inscriptions on the marble door frames tell of renovations and bring craftsmanship together with the history of the churches. They add a tangible cultural accent to the townscape: alongside the white houses and winding alleys, the elaborately worked details are also worth exploring. This way, Chora can be discovered not only through its position as the capital, but also through the varied forms of its built environment.

Another example is the Kato Lakkos in Vorina: a barrel-vaulted, arched cistern dating from the 15th century. A barrel vault is a lengthwise vault; the term makes the structure’s form easy to picture. Together with the renovation inscriptions on the marble doors, the cistern offers a different perspective on Chora’s architecture. Those interested in historic building forms can include these two distinct features in their exploration of the town.

Hiking trails from Chora

The Fotodotis hiking trail starts in the northern part of Chora, in the Vorina area, and is rated easy. The Old Strata also starts in Chora and passes the Hozoviotissa Monastery, Kapsala, Asfontilitis and Potamos on its way to Langada. If you are looking for a route explicitly described as easy, this rating applies to Fotodotis; the Old Strata is described by its route through several places to Langada. Check current trail conditions before setting out on a hike.

Asfontilitis lies along the Old Strata. It is an old rural settlement with wells, rock paintings and the Church of Saint Nicholas. This stop adds a specific cultural destination to the route. The Ecclesiastical Museum is located in the Hozoviotissa Monastery outside Chora. If you include the museum in your cultural itinerary, bear in mind that it is located outside the town.

Choosing Chora as a holiday apartment base

When looking for a holiday apartment in Chora, consider what you would like your days to focus on: the town’s alleys, squares and churches, or hikes on trails that start in Chora. The two trail descriptions have different emphases: Fotodotis is rated easy, while the Old Strata is described by its route via Hozoviotissa, Kapsala, Asfontilitis and Potamos to Langada. This can help you plan around the activities that interest you most.

The cultural attractions also offer clear guidance for your choice. If you mainly want to explore Chora’s townscape and churches, focus on the renovation inscriptions on the marble door frames and the cistern in Vorina. For an itinerary that also includes the Old Strata, you can take in Asfontilitis, with its wells, rock paintings and Church of Saint Nicholas.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Melanes, Katápola, Glinado, Donousa, Kalantos, Amorgós, Aghios Prokopios, Schinoussa.

Return to the main travel overview: Naxos.