Historical Places

Since the Neolithic era, Kalymnos has been inhabited, it’s original inhabitants were the Kares, who were followed by the Phoenicians and then the Dorians. The ruins that can be found throughout the island attest to this. The sanctuary of the temple of the god Apollo of Dali, between the areas of Limniotissa and Pigadia, is the most important place, with surviving ruins that have been preserved to this day. When you visit it, you will realize that it was the political and religious center of the Kalymnos tribes, as evidenced by inscriptions carved on stones, statues, and altars. Saint Helen or Arcadius built the Temple of Christ of Jerusalem, an early Christian Basilica covered with large marble slabs and floor mosaics, from the material of the Ionian temple of Apollo. The temple ruins have been preserved to this day.

If you want to “transport” to the past and feel the history of the place, you should definitely visit the Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos, which has great works such as the sculpture of “Lady of Kalymnos,” which was caught in the nets of a local fisherman in 1995. The exhibits are all from the early Christian, Byzantine, and post-Byzantine periods.

Kasteli’s fortress is another historical site. By visiting it, you will feel as if you have complete command of the sea area between Kalymnos and Telendos. The view from this vantage point will enthrall you. You can pray to Virgin of Kasteli, a small chapel just above the sea, a little further down.

Furthermore, the imposing castle of Chora, with its strong walls encircling the area, is located at an altitude of 255 meters above sea level. Its use was intended to control piracy because it has a perfect view of the port. Inside the castle, ten small churches are kept in good condition. It can only be reached by hiking, but the view of almost the entire island of Kalymnos and its port is worth the effort.

Finally, Chrysocheria’s castle is built on a high stony hill. Human presence is estimated to have existed during the Neolithic, Mycenaean, Hellenistic, and Byzantine periods. Inside the castle, there are statues of the Dioscuri, as well as the small church of Virgin of Chrysocheria, which gives the castle its name.