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Chora is built in such a way as to make it “invisible” from the sea, another precaution against the aforementioned pirate raids!
The Chora of Amorgos is the island’s capital, with 400 inhabitants. It is located at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level, in the exact center of the island, and its trademark is the Venetian fortress Kastro!
The village was constructed in the 13th century by Venetian lords as protection against invasions by Saracen pirates. The traditional settlement with numerous white cycladic houses, mansions built, as well as numerous narrow alleys, will fascinate you.
The Chora started to be built in the early Byzantine years, to the north and east of the fortress.
The medieval houses appear to be embracing the Kastro, while the cobbled streets become narrower The whitewashed chapel of Kyra Leousa was built inside the fortress more than 15 centuries ago and is perhaps the village’s oldest church. It has a vestibule and other pre-Christian elements.
Chora has two village squares, the lower square (where the Holy Metropolis of Amorgos is located) and the upper square. The picturesque lower square or Loza is Chora’s main village square. The name Loza derives from the Latin “loggia” or market.
You will see Chora by walking from the east to the west sides! You will be amazed by the large number of domed churches and miniature chapels scattered around the village! The whitewashed cobbled streets promise you to "get lost" in the Cycladic architecture and beauty of the village itself!
You may admire the wandering throughout the village, you will see narrow streets ending in courtyards with colorful flowers, bougainvillea, geraniums, colorful pots, and the smell of jasmine! Indulge in the glamor of the village, by taking beautiful photos! If you head eastwards and towards the edge of the village, you will come across the “Embrostiada”. This is a series of arches housing the historical Roussos mansion (19th century).
Get the most out of Chora village with several options for food, shopping souvenirs, visit wonderful cafés – bars, taste sweet temptations and ice cream at the local patisserie! Say cheese and taste the authentic Amorgian psimeni raki!
It is worth visiting the Holy Metropolis that is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary as well as St Ioannis Theologos, that renovated in 1689.
The lower neighborhood (western entrance to the Chora) is punctuated by Byzantine churches such as the one dedicated to Agii Pantes. This church was renovated in 1644 and contains holy relics from the late 17th and 18th centuries!
The The fortress of Chora is 65 meters high and was fortified by the Ieremia and Gyzi brothers (1207) during Venetian rule, and this was followed by the village’s expansion southwards. You can visit the fortress at any time of day up to sunset. Ask for the key in Loza square and then climb up the narrow staircase.
As you enter, note the embrasures used to repulse the pirates. If the weather permits, make sure you admire and photograph the panoramic view of the village, as well as the western side of the island and the surrounding sea.
Ideal time to visit is at sunset.
The windmills in Chora stand opposite, in a panoramic and imposing location on a ridge that catches every breath of wind. Several of the windmills are easily accessible as you can reach them by ascending the east side of the village. In the past Some of the well-preserved windmills still contain the mechanisms used by the millers to process the flour. This location is the ideal place to watch the sunset in purple and orange colors, with the sun dropping into the sea.
It is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum of Amorgos is housed in the Gavras Mansion (18th century) and is located near the Holy Metropolis, below the Loza, the village’s main square. At the museum, you will see exhibits that date back to the Bronze Age, as well as sculptures.
From this village starting point, you can hike the hiking routes number 1 and 2. See more on our page Hiking on Amorgos.
Last Updated: 11/04/2022
By car, motorcycle, Amorgos KTEL buses, or a taxi.
Alternatively, explore nature, walking on the paths of the Amorgian countryside..
The picturesque village's season is from June until September. You will find open restaurants and shops . You can enjoy your breakfast, as well as trying local, Amorgian and modern cuisine.
At nights your meeting point will be the picturesque alleys, with Greek live music! Good company, psimeni raki, your beer or cocktail is all that you need. Cheers!
You may visit the attractions and Archaeological Museum of Chora. Numerous churches and whitewashed cobbled streets, "smell like the Aegean" unfolds in front of you.
Seize the moment by taking photos all day, culminating in the enchanting colors of the sunset.
