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SIGHTS

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The Nordland shipwreck in Diakofti

by Dimitris Baltzis

The Nordland shipwreck is a popular diving spot off the coast of Kythera island and one of the best wrecks in Southern Greece. The former cargo ship was launched in 1986 and in August 2020, while on a voyage to Turkey, it ran aground at Dragonares islet. Nordland now lies intact with its stern on the sea bottom at a depth of about 30 meters (100 feet) and its bow protruding from the water.

This massive steel ship of 127 meters (417 feet) in length is suitable for advanced divers. Nordland features entry points that allow divers to explore its insides. Penetration should only be attempted by experienced wreck divers.  

Diving is affected by the weather and should be attempted under favorable weather conditions. Moderate currents are observed along the wreck. Visibility is good: 10 to 20 meters (33-66 feet).

As you’d expect, marine life is not as abundant as in the more tropical destinations. You’ll see regulars of the Aegean Sea such as damselfish, groupers, white seabreams, and blue-fin tuna.

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SIGHTS

The Venetian castle in Hora

by Dimitris Baltzis

The eye to the Mediterranean sea!

The Castle of Chora Kythera is built on a large elevated area in Chora of Kythera, overlooking the south. It is kept in quite good condition and is an important tourist attraction.

The present castle was built by the Venetians in the 16th century, although according to various sources a Byzantine fortress existed at the same place from the 13th century. During the Venetian rule, Chora developed a lot and the settlement spread to the areas around the castle. Both in and around the castle there is a large number of temples which are protected today as many of them date back to the 15th century. Inside it dominates the church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa which is considered the patron saint of the island. This church was catholic until 1806. Next to it is the Palace of the Prophets, which today houses the Historical Archive of Kythera, which contains documents from 1560.

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SIGHTS

Old castle city of Kato Hora

by Dimitris Baltzis

The enchanting castle city!

The castle is a medieval settlement which was inhabited until the 1950’s. It is also named “Kato Hora” and is very interesting, as many buildings are preserved in relatively good condition.

The settlement is in a short distance from the modern village Mylopotamos (Greek: Μυλοπόταμος, meaning “river with mills”). It was named Mylopotamos because there are 22 watermills built along a small stream.

The castle was built by the Venetians in 1566, according to an inscription at the gate. Obviously there was an older settlement there, since at least the 14th century, that gradually was developed and after the destruction of other parts of the island in 1537, it became more impoortant and was rebuilt. The position controls the west coast of Kythira and the Ionian sea, but the primary usage of the fortification was rather the protection of the local population.

Inside the castle there are remains of 9 churches from the 16th and 17th century.

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HISTORYSIGHTS

Ancient Skandia

by Dimitris Baltzis

The ancient settlement of Skandia in Kythira!

Due to its strategic location, Kythira has been conquered by many tribes during its long history. The Minoans inhabited Kythira around the 5th millennium B.C and lived in the port of ancient Skandia, today is known as Paleopolis. For the Minoans, Skandia was an intervening point for their voyages to the West. They created the settlement of Skandia as a place to rest in the middle of their long journeys.

People had developed an important civilization in Scandia. They used to worship goddess Aphrodite there, the Kytherian Aphrodite, as she was called because, according to their tradition, she was born in the Aegean Sea near the shores of the island. Traces of a Minoan temple were found near Scandia.

The Mycenaean succeeded the Minoans in ruling Scandia and the Phoenicians followed in the fifteenth century B.C. Sparta and Athens had also a controversy about Kythira. Finally, the place ended in the hands of Sparta. Kythira was later conquered by the Macedonians, the Romans, the Venetians, and the Turks. The earthquake of about 8.30 in the Richter scale which is believed to have occurred in 365 A.D. in the Kythira Strait was very strong. Great waves hit the coasts of the island and destroyed the ancient harbor of Skandia.

 

Source www.greeka.com

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SIGHTS

Lighthouses in Kythera | Moudari

by Dimitris Baltzis

The impressive Moudari Lighthouse and the idyllic sunset

This lighthouse was built in 1901. The height of its stone tower is 25 meters and its focal height is 110 meters. It was built by the British to facilitate navigation in the strait created in the sea area between Kythera and Elafonisos.

The lighthouse is located at Cape Spathi which is the northernmost point of Kythera, near the area of Karava and next to the beach of Ag. Nikolaou.

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