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... REGION: Cyclades ... Island of Serifos At a distance of 70 n.miles from Piraeus, the island of Serifos, encircled by an endless succession of rocks forming little bays, this island brings in mind the legend of Danae, Perseus and Medusa, prehistoric inhabitants of the island that were turned to stones. Ferries call at Livadi, a sheltered harbour at the eastern side of the island, nearby a horseshoe-shaped sandy beach. Serifos stands out in the Cyclades as the 'green' island. It's perched high up on a cliff and offers panoramic views of the port below and the Aegean beyond. Here, there are quite a few post-Byzantine era churches worth visiting and on the top of the hill, the ruins of an ancient castle are surrounded by tiny, sparkling white chapels. There are numerous pebbled and sand beaches, and even a nudist beach in Livadakia. The only monument here is the Taxiarches monastery, which, set on the highest point of the island looks like a fortress. Livadi, the island port, is the 'cosmopolitan' setting in the island since most of the bars, tavernas and coffee shops are located here.Its capital, Hora, could easily earn the distinction of the most beautiful town in the Cyclades. The "Hora of Serifos" consisting of little cubic houses and churches, is crowned by the Venetian castle standing on a rocky peak, with excellent view to the sea and the island. Aspropyrgos is situated near Koutalas village, 10 km south-west of Hora. It is a Hellenistic fortress of great historical importance connected with significant moments in the history of Serifos. The monastery of the Taxiarches was built in the early 17th century. It is the most significant sight of Serifos and is 8 km north of Hora. On the outside, it seems like a huge fortress with a high wall and various other edifices which house cells and a small notable collection of ecclesiastical relics, Byzantine manuscripts and rare documents. Inside, its main construction is an exquisite marble floor with a depiction of a two-headed eagle dating back to 1690, parts from noteworthy murals of Emmanoulis Skordilis, valuable old icons, and a wonderful marble-and-wood-carved screen. Also among the island's treasures is a magnificent casket and a carved episcopal throne.The Venetian Castle of Hora.The famous Venetian castle overlooks Hora. The armorial bearings of several Venetian families, which are carved on various parts of the castle, remind the visitor of the Venetian rule that strongly influenced the island. What still remains from the constructive unit of the castle that once knew periods of great grandeur is only a part of its walls. A series of old chapels surround the castle, like the one of Agios Ioannis Theologos, built on the ruins of an ancient temple of Athena. The castle offers a breathtaking view to the sea.

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