Church

Palaiokastro Monastery
Located to the north of Ano Mera, this 18th century nunnery is a typical example of the monastic architecture of the Cyclades. It takes its name from “Paleokastro”, the neighboring hill, crowned with a medieval castle (early Byzantine, occupied until the time of Gizi), which has its foundations on the remains of an ancient fortress.

This area is also known as one of the two major settlements of the island in ancient time. One can see here, among other things, the old church of Agios Vlassis with its neighboring large dovecote and a prehistoric grave-marker consisting of a single 3-meter-high granite slab.

Founded in 1542, this monastery was built in the place where there originally was an old church of The Virgin. From 1757 to 1767, consecrated/ dedicated to the church of The Presentation of the Virgin, it was renovated by the holy monk lgnatio Basoula and achieved its present day from The marvelous, carved- wood “baroque” rood screen in the three-chambered church, the bishops throne and the ambonas…(late 18th century) are said to have been made in Florence; the beautiful icons on the rood screen are attributed to the icon painter Ioannis “of Korfu”.The architecture of the complex, by the simplicity of its grandeur, impresses the visitor who will carefully observe the marble belfry and the water spigot in the courtyard which are elaborately decorated with carvings, typical examples of traditional marble sculpture.

The monastery’s collection includes many old tools and utensils, important religious relics, priests’ robes furnishings (old carved wood epitaph, analogia/podium etc), post-Byzantine icons, and various other offerings.

The main settlement of present day Ano Mera has extended (from its’ center) in the area surrounding this monastery which formerly was vary significant to the island.

Ano Mera is located almost in the heart of the island, just 8 km from the capital of Mykonos, Chora. With a population of 1459 inhabitants, Ano Mera is the picturesque village one finds on the northeast shore road. It stands out not only for its classical Cycladic beauty, but also for its picturesque streets and traditional taverns.

The square, which was converted to pedestrian access in 2001, is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, which are renowned for the exceptional quality of its barbecues. Apart from the exceptional meat, Mykonos is also known for the spicy cheese accompanying the local delicacies. Also, in the village, one finds the “Kopanisti” laboratory, which hides all the secrets of preparation of that spicy cheese.

In Ano Mera one may visit the historic monastery of Panagia Tourliani, one of the main attractions of the whole island, which was built in the 15th century. The all-white monastery is located right on the central square. The whole village of Ano Mera has been developed mainly around this monastery.