Chora

Distance from Livadi: 4,5 km

Not far away from Livadi, the picturesque Chora is the capital of Serifos and probably one of the most impressive in Cyclades.

It spreads on a hill of about 230 meters high, adorning it up to the top with whitewashed houses and churches, with a style loyal to the traditional Cycladic architecture.

The rocky ground is engraved by a cobble stepped path, which is frequently interrupted by asphalt, and connects the settlements of Kato and Ano Chora, while the narrow alleyways branch till the Castle, on top of the hill.

The Castle

Built in the end of the medieval period, the Castle of Serifos was created in order to be protected from raids and therefore it is designed in a fortified way, with the densely built small houses that surround it acting as a defensive wall.

On its highest point stands the chapel of St. Constantine, with its big yard and the magnificent, uninterrupted view. In front and a bit lower stand the churches of St. Barbara and Christ and underneath, stuck in the rock, is the church of St. John the Theologian.

Looking towards Livadi, far on the right, between Milos and Polyaigos, you can see Kimolos. Ahead of you is Sifnos and far behind the barren islet of Vous there is Antiparos, Paros and Syros, to the left.

Different, intense emotions evoke here each and every hour of the day. The sunrise, however, offers the most sensational and peaceful spectacle: the sun emerging from the Aegean Sea and gradually coloring the landscape with its magnificent morning light.

Pano/Ano Chora

The small settlement of the Castle begun to systematically expand outside its “lotzies” (/’lotziεs/, i.e. entrances) after the Greek Revolution, thus introducing the settlement of Ano Chora. The dense structuring remains the main characteristic of the residential development and the labyrinthine alleys descend between the whitewashed houses, meeting Pano Piazza along their way.

A popular point of Serifos, this picturesque square is one of the few open areas inside Chora. On its one side dominates since 1908 the neoclassical building of the Town Hall and a few meters away (and almost 90 years apart) stands the church of St. Athanasios – the cathedral of Serifos.

Further below is the square of the Windmills, with three traditional windmills overshadowing the ruins of the rest. Near the stores and shops, from the side of the -large at last- parking lot, hides the small building of the Archeological Collection.

The wider area of Ano Chora offers a charming scenery, ideal for a walk and for entertainment. During the summer it is throbbing with life, as it features several shops and many dining and drinking options.

Kato Chora

The image of the most beautiful village of Serifos is complemented by the settlement of Kato Chora, along the slope, with the church of Evangelistria standing imposingly in the central square, adding color to the whitewashed landscape.

The small streets are getting wider here and lead to the central path with the big steps, which goes down to the base of Chora and connects with the road that leads to Livadi. Its route passes in front of small chapels, the Memorial of the Fallen and the Folklore Museum, which you definitely have to visit.

Next to the museum stands the only theatre of Serifos, which hosts several cultural events during the year, as well as the annual Festival of Serifos that takes place in the summer.