Tinos is an island known for its religious nature and surviving traditions. Those who visit it have a chance to experience this first hand.
It goes without saying that Easter in Tinos is a unique, heart-felt and spiritual experience, either you are a Believer or not. Each part of the island decorates its epitaph with great care and the procession is accompanied by chanting and absolute devotion. In many parts of Tinos, like Chora for example, the epitaph enters the sea in memory of all the sailors who lost their lives in the raging waves. The Resurrection with the fireworks and the Easter table complete a once in a lifetime experience that one should definitely live, by choosing Tinos island for Easter holidays.
Adding to that, several festivals and celebrations are organized in Tinos, including:
- July 23, feast of Agia Pelagia in Kechrovouni Monastery that is accompanied by the transfer of icon of Virgin Mary from Panagia of Tinos to the monastery and then back to the church of Panagia, accompanied by a faithful crowd.
- August 15, feast of Panagia/ Our Lady of Tinos that takes place in many other areas of the island
- August 23, feast of Kyra Kseni in the Pyrgos village
- September 6, feast of Agios Sostis in the namesake area
Tsoklis Museum is in Kampos, one of the finest villages of Tinos.
The main purpose of the museum is to host the work of Costas Tsoklis. On the premises of the museum apart from the works of the renowned artist you can also see his file, interviews and articles about him, photos and TV and radio broadcasts. What's more, the Tsoklis museum organizes creative workshops, programs and theatrical performances in Koumaros theater.
If you find yourself in Tinos, Tsoklis museum is definitely one of the must-dos!
More information concerning the Tsoklis Museum can be found in www.tsoklismuseum.gr and the number 22830 51009.
Visual arts go hand in hand with Tinos island. You can find speckles of art everywhere; from embossed details in homes to pigeonniers and of course the many art galleries. Vacationing on the island you will have many interesting things to see.
First of all, the Cultural Foundation of Tinos (www.itip.grand telephone 22830 24742) in Chora, hosts many notable exhibitions of visual arts (painting, sculpture, etc.) along with the permanent exhibition dedicated to Giannoulis Halepas.
Adding to that, at the Lady of Tinos - Evaggelistrias Temple ( Panagia tis Tinou) you will find the Gallery, with paintings of remarkable Greek and foreign artists and the Museum of Tinian Artists, with Lytras' and Gaitis' paintings and Giannoulis Halepas', Filippotis' and other important artists' sculptures.
Do not forget to visit the Museum of Panormos Artists and the Giannoulis Halepas Museum to admire exquisite sculptures that will make your jaw drop, as well as the newest museum Tsokli in Kampos village that also features an art library and creative programs for children and adults.
Art exhibitions take place at several points on the island, as Tinos truly is an open air museum with scattered artifacts waiting to be discovered.
More information on exhibitions and art on the island can be found in the Municipality of Tinos and the number 22833 60100.
Many concerts, parties and music events s are organized in Tinos, especially during summer months. Your holidays in Tinos will give you the opportunity to watch remarkable artists, interesting concerts and music events in Loutra and many other places on the island.
More information on music events and concerts on the island can be found in the Municipality of Tinos and the number 22833 60100.
Exombourgo or Xompourgo is in the south part of Tinos island.
It is also known as Kastro and it is upon a rock with a height of 640 meters. It seems that this point was considered to be very safe, so since ancient times people chose to live there protected.
When in 1207 Tinos was occupied by the Venetians, the Gkizi brothers took advantage of the fortified position and built the castle of Saint Helena, a fortress which took its name from the church that was already there. It is no surprise that gradually a small town developed around the fortress.
The Venetians realizing the strategic importance both of Tinos and the specific point, sought and managed to build an almost impenetrable fortress that withstood several pirate and other attacks. The castle lasted until 1715 when Tinos became part of the Ottoman Empire. The Turkish conquerors destroyed the castle almost entirely.
Today you can visit the Exovourgo and see for yourself the ruins of the castle and the walls or just enjoy the breathtaking views of the area.
Almost everywhere in Tinos you will see Pigeonniers.
A Pigeonnier is a special building used for housing and breeding pigeons, but the Peristeriones of Tinos are something more. They often have two or three floors, the upper is used for the pigeons while the lower as storage space. Peristeriones- Pigeonniers have small openings (so that only the pigeons can fit inside) facing west and east, but never to the north to be protect from the wind. In the old days pigeons were bred for their meat and people made use of their droppings as fertilizer in the fields.
The pigeonniers show Tinian craftsmanship at its best. Made primarily from shale and decorated ornately, these unique attractions will immediately draw your attention.
It is probably the Henets that established in Tinos the breeding of pigeons and the pigeonniers. Indeed, initially only the feudal lords were entitled to have a pigeonnier so it became a symbol of economic and class superiority. When the Henets left, the inhabitants of Tinos were finally free to acquire their own peristeriona and thus created unique architectural masterpieces with excellent decorations to distinguish themselves (and irritate their neighbors).
Today Tinos has hundreds peristeriones- pigeonniers that you can admire (some say they're over 700) but it is very hard to find two completely identical. They all have their own drawings and their own unique beauty. Chose Tinos for your vacations and discover them all (or as many as you can)!
