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Sikinos

Sikinos' history is identical to that of the Cyclades Islands.The cultivation of vineyards flourished since the early years and gave the island the name of Oini (island of wine).

Mythology reports that the king of Limnos, Thoas found refuge in Sikinos, that was then named Oinoe and after he married the Nymph Neis they had Sikinus, their son after whom the island was finally named.

Hora is one of the most beautiful settlements of the Cyclades. It was captured by the Venetians and attacked by Barbarossa. 1774 was a tragic year for Sikinos. The island suffered one of the biggest pirate raids, which caused terrible havoc. The occupation by the Francs and the subordination of the island to the Ducha of Naxos, followed in the 17th century, by the Russians. lt suffered recurring raids by the pirates and followed the rest of the Cyclades in the revolution of 1821. It was finally united with the rest of the Greek state in 1830.

The monastery of Zoodohos Pigi, or Hrissopigi, stands west of Hora, successively a colony of the Athenians, the Macedonians, the Ptolemies of Egypt and the Romans, who used it as a place of exile. The island, following the fate of the rest of the Cyclades, joined the Athenian League and then passed into the possession of the Macedonians, Ptolemies, and Romans. The latter used it as a place of exile. In 1537 the Turks captured it. The locals rightfully call it "Kastro" (Castle) since a strong fortification wall with embrasures surrounds it. The islanders took refuge in its inside from the pirate raids. It has been abandoned since 1834 with the church of Zoodohos Pigi as the only reminder of its glorious past.

Through the times, Sikinos has retained its tradition, colours and all the other characteristics that compose a typical Cycladitic island.

 

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