Sights
About Kala Pigadia
Kala Pigadia (“Good Wells”) takes its name from two covered wells at the center of the neighborhood’s raised platia, or “square,” at the top of Miaoulis Street. Built in 1803 during the administration of Georgios Voulgaris, locals use them to … Continue reading
Church of Saint Konstantinos of Hydra ◊ Kiaffa
The Cathedral of Saint Constantine the Hydriote is unmistakably modern, with an Italianate belltower. Constantine the Hydriote, Hydra’s patron saint, is a so-called neo-martyr from the period of the Turkish occupation of Greece. His name day is celebrated on November … Continue reading
Hydra’s Historic Archives and Museum
Founded in 1918, the Historic Archives and Museum of Hydra moved to its current, specially constructed location in 1972. Supervised by the Ministry of Education, the archives gathers and catalogs all documents related to Hydra, particularly the history, culture, and … Continue reading
Lazaros Koundouriotis Mansion (National Historical Museum)
Called the “Father of the Nation,” Lazaros Koundouriotis was great shipowner who played an important role in the Greek War of Independence. Located near Hydra’s port, the archontika, or manor, of Lazaros Koundouriotis provides a superb example of the eighteenth-century … Continue reading
Tombazis Manor (School of Fine Art)
Housed in the four-storey Tombazis Mansion since 1936, the School of Fine Art exhibits paintings of historical ships and events. Well-known Greek painter Periklis Vizantios (1893–1971) assisted with the school’s opening, and Mark Chagall once lived for a time in … Continue reading
Byzantine or Ecclesiastical Museum of Hydra
Established in 1933 and located in the center of Hydra’s Harbor in the cathedral/town hall complex under the clock tower, this museum is a companion to Hydra’s cathedral itself. Housed in a former monk cell, exhibits include richly embroidered vestments, … Continue reading
Convent of St. Evpraxia (at the Monestery of Profitas Ilias)
The Convent of St. Evpraxia is just 10 minutes’ walk from the Monastery of Profita Ilias. Facing the monastery’s entrance, walk to the right towards the threshing floor. As you turn right around the main monastery building, you’ll see a … Continue reading
Hydra’s Architecture
Stone windmills, some in ruins, dot the hillsides, and the town and surrounding villages are home to more than 350 churches and chapels. Hydra’s status as a national historic landmark protects its unique and beautiful architecture. Any new buildings must … Continue reading
Monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) ◊ Above Mandraki
Located in the hills above Mandraki, the Monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity), an example of the simple and austere monastic style of architecture. Agia Triada is thought to have been founded in 1704 by Antonios Oikonomou, a priest and … Continue reading
Tsamados Mansion (School of the National Merchant Marine)
Located on the eastern side of Hydra’s port next to the Hydra Historic Archives and Museum and built between 1780 and 1810, the Tsamados Mansion houses the National Merchant Marine School, which has operated continuously since its founding in 1749. … Continue reading
Cathedral of Hydra
Also called the Church of Dormition, the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, or “the Monastery,” Hydra’s main cathedral is located in the center of the harbor in the complex underneath the clock tower. A nun is said … Continue reading
Giorgios and Pavlos Koundouriotis Mansion (Museum of Modern History of Hydra)
Located among the pine trees above the western side of Hydra’s harbor, the three-story Giorgios and Pavlos Koundouriotis Mansion houses heirlooms belonging to the Koundouriotis family and exhibitions about Hydra’s role in the Greek War of Independence and its nautical … Continue reading
Hydra’s Historic Mansions
Mansions (Archontika) The mansions and manors of Hydra have a history and architecture unique to the island. As most of these structures are still owned by private families, many are not open to the public. Some, however, now house public … Continue reading
Prophet Ilias Monastery (Μοναστήρι του Προφήτης Ηλίας)
Nestled at an altitude of 500 meters into a slope of Mount Eros, Hydra’s highest peak, and a good two hours’ hike above Hydra Town, depending on your pace, the Monastery of Prophet Elias provides spectacular views of the island, … Continue reading