Kastro
The ancient city
The historic settlement of Kástro (meaning "castle"), inhabited since ancient times, is built over the ruins of ancient Sífnos, on an abrupt rock with a breathtaking view of the sea. A beautiful outdoor museum and one of the most picturesque villages in the island, Kástro stands out for its old houses with the wooden balconies, the ancient columns and the narrow courtyards.
The visitor still enters the village from "loziés", the castle's old entrances. In the past, these arcade-like entrances were used as war towers in order to protect the settlement. The houses in the front, built one next to another, used to be inhabited by lower class people, whereas the inner, and more protected part of the settlement was occupied by the upper class. Admire the picturesque little church of "Eftamártyros" (Church of Seven Martyrs), perched on a rock that seems to rise from the sea, and don't forget to visit the Archaeological Museum.
Kastro is the old capital of the island and the seat of the Archdiocese of Sifnos (6th-19th century). It is one of the most picturesque, beautiful, and the most important of the villages of the island from an archaeological standpoint.
This is the ancient 'city' referred to by Herodotus, which flourished in the 6th century BC, with a temple and a theatre dedicated to Dionysus, and grand marble public buildings. It has been continuously inhabited from prehistoric times (first settlements on the hill were in the 3rd millennium BC) to the present day.
The village's name comes from the fortress-like 'castle' formed by its buildings. The settlement has an ellipsoidal form, following the terrain, and has a defensive aspect, preserving unchanged its medieval (Venetian) fortified formation. Two defensive rings of buildings can be observed, each built close by the next, with mansion houses for the richer inhabitants in the inner ring where they had greater protection, and the houses of the poor in the outer ring.
Sifnos Panagia Poulati Church was built back in 1871. Its annual celebration day is the 15th of August.Visitors admire the imposing steeples which are an example of the wonderful old cycladic architecture. In Sifnos Panagia Poulati Church you will also be able to admire the beautiful fence, paved with flagstones, leading to the halls, the tombs and the cells.
Sifnos Eptamartyres Church in Kastro is standing on the top of a rocky cape, exposed to the wind and the open sea waves.
A footpath with many stairs is leading fromKastro to Eptamartyres Church.
This beautiful small church of Sifnos provides a unique scenery and one of the most photographed spots of the island.
One of your best choices for swimming, during your visit or stay in Kastro village area, is Sifnos Seralia beach.
A small but different beach of Sifnos island on the south of Kastro village area.
Some buildings are closer than normal to the rocks of the beach but everybody is friendly and you will enjoy your bath