The picturesque Kythnos island, also known as Thermia, is located between Kea and Serifos islands. It was on the small island of Kythnos, famous in antiquity for the excellence of its administration (according to Aristotle in his 'Constitution of Kinthos') that recent archaeological finds have provided evidence of the earliest presence of man in the Cyclades. Here, too, the terrain is mainly mountainous, but the harshness of the bare earth is relieved here and there by vines or fig trees like brushstrokes on it, while pretty little bays form indentations in its coastline. Area 99 sq. Km. Distance from Piraeus 52 nautical miles. Hora or Messaria, the island's capital is 8 Km. from Merihas and stands on a hillside plateau. A typical Cycladic village, it is noted for its beautiful churches with their fine wood-carving, sanctuary screens and icons (St. Savas, church of the Saviour, Holy Trinity, Theologos). At the monastery of Our Lady 'tou Nikous', which stands on an attractive hill, the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on 15 August is observed with the traditional festivities. A little way to the south is the island's former capital, which retains its ancient name of Driopida - picturesque village, very typical of the islands. In the north-eastern part of the island lies Loutra, renowned for its radioactive thermal springs, which are considered beneficial to sufferers from arthritis, dermatitis and gynecological problems. In the South-east, the monastery of Our Lady Kanala, the patron saint of the island, stands on a very attractive promontory facing towards Serifos, with a beautiful expanse of sandy beach. The building is of great interest and the scenery is reminiscent of a fjiord - in Greek colours. Other good beaches for swimming can be found at Merihas, Episkopi, Flambouria bay (accessible only by boat), Loutra and Agios Stefanos. Kythnos is one of the most beautiful island of the west Cyclades, with a pure cycladic scenery and a tradition in arcitecture, easily seen in the many picturesque alleys and churches of the island. The rocky coasts with the wonderful sandy beaches that suddenly appear, form the islands' beaches with the crystal-clear water. Kythnos is an island of great archaeological interest. Maroulas, near Loutra, is the oldest settlement in Cyclades where remains of circular constructions have been found. They were used as places of residence. In Maroulas, five tombs have also been found. The settlement is dated back to the Mesolithic Period, that is between the 8th and 7th millenium B.C. The role of Kythnos in the development of metallurgy during antiquity has been of vital importance. In the location Skouries, between Profitis Ilias and the bay of Ayios Ioannis, research has been conducted and revealed remnants of the First Cycladic Period (3rd millenium B.C.). The circular constructions found there were related by scientsts with the metallurgical procedures and further laboratory analysis verified that Kythnos used to supply the Aegean of Prehistoric Times with raw material for the construction of metallurgical objects. Findings of the First Cycladic, Geometrical and Roman Periods were located in the bay of Ayios Ioannis. The most important place in the island connected with the Historical Times is undoubtedly Vryokastro, which used to be the capital of the island during antiquity, located at the northeast coast of the island. Most of the islands' findings, which are exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and in the small outdoor Katholikon Collection in Kythnos Town, come from this area. |
