BYZANTINE FORTRESS

We do not hide you that the rise towards the top of the ancient acropolis, perched above the city, is rather abrupt, but it is splendid. You will cross the Byzantine district of the Chora, with its numerous chapels. Built on the ruins of the ancient acropolis, the kastro offers a fabulous 360-degree view of the city below, the surrounding Skyrian lands and the Aegean horizon. Installed on two levels, you will first see the monastery of Saint George, at the entrance of the kastro. It seems to balance on the rock that falls precipitously on the lower city. The first historical mention of this monastery dates back to 1289, when it became dependent on a monastery of Mount Athos. This privilege brought wealth and new facilities to the Skyrian monastery. Go up to the second level, where a Byzantine tower and cistern dominate, surrounded by fortified walls. Admire the remains of the Episkopi church, the oldest Christian building in Skyros. Dated 895, it preserves some fragments of frescoes of the ^11th and ^12th centuries, as well as original sculptural elements.

Finally, don't miss the tour of the walls on the sea side. You will see the remains of provakades, stone cells where each family of the Chora could store its most precious goods and take refuge within the kastro in case of attack or pirate raid. These concealed, one-room dwellings with a fireplace are the basis of traditional Skyrian architecture.