After the defeat of the worship of the Twelve Olympian Gods and Goddesses somewhere between 350 to 400 AD Christianity was imposed and prevailed on the island. This can be observed in the ruins of dozens of Christian temples that are scattered all over Astypalea.The Castle of Ai Giannis is said to have been built […]

In Astypalea you will find dishes that date way back, as is so often the case in any place that respects its history and tradition. For some they are premium, for others simply special. You see, it is a matter of taste. “Lamprianos” (stuffed lamb roasted in the oven)a traditional local dish cooked mostly at […]

Astypalea or Astropalia, which in the past was called Ichthyoessa, Pylaia, Bank of the Gods, Pyrra, Astynea, Stampalia, holds a prominent position over the centuries and due to its location it has always been an important sea crossroads for sailors and merchants travelling from west to east and north to south. Many conquerors passed through […]

The traditional dances that stand out in every festival are “sousta”, “balos” and  “sirtos”. The main instruments of the orchestra are the violin and the lute. Nikitas Kastrinos,who played the violin, and Iordanis, who played the lute, were the most distinguished musicians and avid supporters of the island tradition. The two of them became great […]