Tinos, Greece
Tinos, Greece
Tinos is one of the largest Greek islands in the Cyclades archipelago. It is known around the world as the holy island of Megalochari. In ancient times, the island was also known as Ophiussa and Hydroessa.
Tinos has a land area of about 194 square kilometers and a population of 8,574 in 2001. Administratively, the island is divided into the municipalities of Tinos and Exombourgo and the community of Panormos. Tinos has a mountainous terrain and a Mediterranean climate. It experiences warm and dry summers, and mild and wet winters.
Tinos was ruled by the Venetians between 1207 and 1715. The Venetians' influence is evident in the architecture of the island, particularly the churches. From 1715 to 1821, the island was governed by the Ottoman Empire before joining with Greece.
The island of Tinos is home to a number of museums, including the Archaeolgical Museum, the Museum of Artists of Tinos and the Museum of Chalepas. Tinos is also popular for its dovecots, wind mills and sculpture. Some of the island's great artists are Georgios Vitalis, Nikiforos Lytras and Dimitrios Filippotis.
People who identify themselves as either Roman Catholic or Greek Orthodox co-exist in the island. Church architecture in Tinos combine both Eastern and Western influences. The most popular church in the island is the Church of Panagia Evangelistria.
Transportation is not a problem in Tinos since the island has three ports—one for passenger speed boats and two for ferries and highspeed boats which carry passengers and cars to other ports.