By Nicolas Bard

Built amphitheatrically on a steep and rocky hill above the picturesque bay of Livadi, is the country of Serifos, which stands out for its beauty, history and identity.

It is a model of a fortified medieval settlement, built on the hill to have the full supervision of the area, and at the same time protected by the raids of the pirates, once hit the island. Nowadays, only two lodge (entrances) are preserved from the medieval settlement, and in one of them we can see the coat of arms from the Venetian era.

Above Chora, at the top of the hill, there are ruins of the Venetian castle, built in 1434 by the Mikieli family, while at the highest point of the rock is the emblematic church of Agios Constantine. From here you can enjoy seamless views of the Aegean, and if the weather allows the eye reaches Sifnos, Kythnos, Milos and Kimolos. A little further down is the church of St. John the Theologian, built on the pit of a rock. According to tradition, the church was built on the ruins of the ancient temple of Athena!

Wandered in the heart of the country you will see many two -storey and three -storey narrow houses, connected to each other by daunting, picturesque alleys, while on the folds of the rock perpetuated pigeons. Inside the settlement are scattered and many churches, one more beautiful than the other, revealing the great faith of the locals.

The country of Serifos is divided into two neighborhoods, the upper and lower country, while public spaces are very limited due to the dense construction, such as the top country (Town Hall Square). The Town Hall, which is a landmark of the capital of the island, is housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, which is located on many postcards and infinite Instagram stories. In the Lower Country is the Folklore Museum of the island, and there you can see many objects of the island’s traditional life, as well as examples of the fossil wealth of the Earth of Serifos.

Behind the Folklore Museum there is a small theater of 300 people, where various cultural events take place during the summer. Also in the Lower Chora is the Archaeological Museum of the island, with findings of the classical, Hellenistic and Roman period. There are many remarkable tourist accommodation in the country, and you will find many bars and restaurants. Do not forget to try the local dishes and delicious wine on the island.

Finally, the Square of Mylon occupies a special place in the country, where today only three, renovated, and the ruins of the rest are preserved. There are shops with tourist items, mini markets, oven and bars, which are full of life throughout the summer.

Walk to the straits, feel the refreshing Aegean breeze, and enjoy the sunset in a very authentic and beautiful Cycladic setting. Serifos will enchant you with the austerity and nobility that exudes, while leaving there you will promise to come back!