Chora , capital of the island of Amorgos , is located 5km east of Katapola , at 367 m above sea level. It is one of the mosta beautiful villages in the Cyclades . It is dominated by a 60m high rock, at the top of which are the remains of a Venetian castle and against which the Agios Giorgos church leans .
Swept by the north wind all year round, the village has developed all around the rock: there is a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets on steep slopes and stairs, arched passages, beautiful traditional houses on the lower remarkable reliefs and courtyards where bougainvillea and jasmine overflow… delightful flowered and shaded plots breathing tranquility.
The largest of them, Loza Square takes its name from Italian, evoking the occupation of the island by the Venetians in the 13th century. You will also find many churches and chapels, most of them Byzantine, such as the church of Agioi Pantes, and the monastery of Fotodotis Christos which depends on the Monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa . It is an extremely old church, dedicated to the Metamorphosis and Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios).
Above the village are the ruins of eleven windmills, erected on a ridge which is reached by a stepped path. The view of the village and the sea is magnificent. You can, following the path, reach the coast and reach the Monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa.
Don’t forget to visit the church of Agios Giorgos Valsamitis which is located on the road leading to Arkesini , a few kilometers from Chora . It also depends on the Monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa and dates from the 17th century. It has an interesting architecture because it has a triple nave. According to popular legend, it is said that the church was built on the site of a holy fountain.
Public services: bus, taxi, dispensary, dentist, pharmacy, police station, shops, town hall, archaeological museum.
