By Nicolas Bard

The country of Skopelos, also known as the “City of Skopelos”, is amphitheatrically built in the NE part of the island, at the tip of the homonymous gulf. Today it has about 3,000 permanent residents and stands out for both its great history and its particular architecture. In fact, it has been described as a “traditional settlement of exceptional beauty”, as it maintains its traditional look unchanged for many years. Near the city, at the “Ambeliki” site, the ruins of the Asclepius Temple and the 4th century buildings have been found. B.C. which have been eroded by the sea, while at the highest point of the country there are ruins of Venetian castle of the 13th century. which has been built on the ruins of the wall of ancient peopard (5th century BC).

Architecture

The country of Skopelos is one of the most picturesque and beautiful settlements of the North Aegean, and if you see it reaching the port, you will understand why. The main features of its traditional architecture are the slate on the roofs of the houses, the neoclassical elements and the numerous churches. The houses are usually two -storey, white with colored doors and windows, and small, wooden balconies. Here we come across many influences from Macedonian architecture, with a more island performance. The cobbled streets, with its whitewashed courtyards and blossoming bougainvilleas will win you over a single ride. The settlement is quite densely populated, the houses are very close to each other, and in some places you will find steps and uphill. The dozens of churches and chapels of the settlement, which are literally where you turn your eyes, will definitely impress you.

Churches

In the city of Skopelos there are more than 120 churches with the most important and older being the single -aisled basilica of St. Athanasius built in the 11th century in the Castle area. Internally it is decorated with 17th century hagiographies and has been built on the ruins of an ancient temple of Athena.

Panagitsa of Pyrgos, perhaps the most popular of the settlement, is located on the rock at the entrance to the port of Skopelos and is a complex, cruciform temple with its dome resting on four columns, located in the main temple. Its iconostasis dates back to the 17th century and presents scenes from the Old and New Testaments, with elaborate decorations of carved flowers and birds around the frames with the images of the saints.

Sights

In the district of Agios Ioannis and right next to the church of the Three Hierarchs we meet the house of the writer Paul Nirvana, who has been fully repaired and today hosts the Museum of History of Skopelos. The house is an excellent example of Skopelitian folk architecture, and was built in the first half of the 19th century. There is the pride of Skopelos: The history of the city from antiquity to the present day.
Also in the center of the country, just above the beach, is the old Vakraca mansion, a typical Macedonian mansion of the island. It has been donated to the Municipality of Skopelos and now operates as a museum, but also as a place for cultural events, book presentations and lectures. His exhibits include relics and personal belongings of the Vakraca family.

Routes

The country of Skopelos is not small, but not a big one, which helps to get to know it by walking! One of the most beautiful routes, it is worth doing if you are there, is from the well that goes up to the medieval remains of the Venetian castle, where the Gizi family once was based, which dominated the northern Sporades. Going down again and crossing the country you will make a stop at the beautiful Vakraca mansion.

Another walk that is worth taking is the climb from Panagitsa of Pyrgos to the Venetian Castle and from there to the beach, through the alleys of the Old Town. The stairs, of course, are enough, but the ride will compensate you. Panagitsa of Pyrgos, in particular, is one of the most important sights in the country. It is a very beautiful church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, located on a rock, and plays on many postcards. Its iconostasis dates back to the 17th century and has over scenes from the Bible.

Before leaving the island, do not forget to get some of the popular local produce such as plums, oil, honey, Skopeliotic cheese pie (with crisp leaf and myzithra), almond sweets (championships and roses), and natural wine producers. Every August, at the annual local events of the island, held in the old port of Skopelos, you will find benches with all the traditional products of the island. So fill your luggage with local dishes and strong memories!