Church

This is an old historical monastery built at the end of the 17th century, outside Steni village. The compound consists of the church of Saint Francis and of - a more recently constructed - three-storeyed building on the left of the church. This building houses the monks' cells and the utility spaces, while in the basement there is a museum of farming tools.

Karya once was an important head-village and now it is considered one of the most ancient villages of the island. It took its name from the walnut trees (in Greek karudia) which abounded in the area. The village is near mountain Exobourgo built on a slope. Many dovecotes and chapels are scattered around in the area. In Karua you can find a monastery right at the top of the hill as well as the churches of Agios Eleftherios, Agios Dimitrios and Kimisis tis Theotokou.

Nature-lovers can visit the declared protected area of the village. Here also exists a Folkloric museum, a marble workshop, and a carpentry workshop. It is noteworthy mentioning that the first cheese factory of the island operated in Karua. Visitors can enjoy their food or drink in the local tavern and the small café. The cultural association of the village organizes events and festivals, maintaining their tradition and cultural background.

The monastery of Kechrovouni lies on a steep slope above the sea level, 500m away from the village of Arnados. Founded by three women of a rich Tinian family in the 10th century, this monastery is one of the biggest and most beautiful in Greece.

According to traditions, these three women had a vision of Panagia pointing at a certain area on the mountain where they should built three cells. In that area there were already three churches. The women decided to build the cells southern to the indicated point since there were harsh winding conditions and the area was full of snakes. In the morning they constructed the cells but at night they were demolished and the tools were found at the indicated point. So, the cells were built where the vision indicated and they are the basic construction of the monastery.

This is the monastery where the nun Pelagia, who found the miraculous icon of Evaggelismos, lived. Every year on July 23 the Tinians celebrate the grace of Agia Pelagia in great honors. In the morning the miraculous icon is transferred to the monastery and in the afternoon it comes back to Chora followed by the Metropolitans, priests, nuns and a great number of believers. Pelagia was proclaimed Agia (Saint) in 1970.

When King Otto established a controversial policy of suppressing the monasteries, the nuns of Kehrovouni along with the locals resisted and so the monastery kept on spreading Christianity.

The whole complex of the monastery looks like a settlement since it has cobblestone paths, narrow alleys, arches and small white buildings. The monastery is also known as ‘the monastery of the Lady of Angel’s’ because on the base of the church’s bell tower (1955) there is the homonymous icon.

Today the monastery has 50 nuns who voluntarily give the visitor a tour on the monastery and share stories. Visitors can see the small cell where Agia Pelagia lived, admire ecclesiastic icons of the 19th and 19th century in the monastery’s museum and visit the library which hosts a rich collection of 2000 books. The nuns always give some treat to visitors and it is noteworthy referring to their excellent handicrafts (some of them on sale).

Tripotamos is listed in the island’s most ancient villages. Wander around the small paths that lead to its Cycladic arched houses, have a drink or food in the traditional taverns and cafes and visit the village’s cheese factory.

Mesi is a small village northeastern of the town of Tinos, in the area between Falatados and Steni villages. The village is an ideal point for the hiking route Tsiknias- Exobourgo Mountains. The people of Steni are mainly farmers.