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Introducing Tinos
Hora, the port of Tinos, glows with religious fervour during Orthodox festivals at the splendid Church of Panagia Evangelistria, home to the sacred icon of the Megalochari, the Holy Virgin. A steady trickle of pilgrims continues throughout the year. The icon is one of Greece’s most famous and is said to have been found in 1822 on land where the church now stands. Healing powers were accorded to the icon, thus leading to mass pilgrimage and a commercial future for Tinos.
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Yet, beyond the overt religious life, Tinos survives as an island of great natural beauty. Its landscape of rugged hills is dotted with over 40 villages that protrude like marble outcrops from the brindled slopes. Scattered across the countryside are countless ornate dovecotes, legacy of Venetian influence. There is a strong artistic tradition on Tinos, not least in the sculptors’ village of Pyrgos in the north of the island where the island’s marble quarries are located. However, religion still takes centre stage in Hora, although the town rattles and hums around it all like a typical island port should.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
