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 Situated in the eastern border of Greece, Kastelorizo is only one sea mile from Turkey's southern coasts. The two-storied houses at the harbour overlooking the sea are perched in a semi-circular fashion on the sides of the rock and together with the multi-coloured window shutters and the red-tiled roofs which contrast the deep blue of the summer sea compose a breathtaking view.
 The only settlement is at the harbour with little houses and restaurants. On the hill, the 14th century castle of the Ioannite Knights stands out, built upon the ruins of another ancient castle. The Archeological Museum is housed in a renovated castle bastion. Under the fortress, at the entrance of the harbour, is a well preserved tomb of the 4th century BC with a Doric facade similar to those found at Lykia on the coasts of Asia Minor.
 The island's Cathedral, the Church of Aghiou Konstantinou and Eleni is built at the little harbour of Mandraki. It presents gothic features and its roof is supported on 12 monolithic granite columns which were transferred from the temple of Apollo from Lykia's Patara.
On the mountain one can see the monastery of Aghios Georgios of the Mountain, with the catacomb of Aghios Charalambos. To the south of the harbour is Palaiokastro (old castle), an important monument, untouched since Byzantine times. Neolithic tools and many Byzantine buildings have been found here. In its enclosure there are small churches and in the surrounding area one can see remains of cyclopean walls.
 On the shores of Kastelorizo is one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful caves, namely the Blue Cave of Fokiali. One can only enter by boat and only if the sea is calm. As the boat enters, people have to bow to avoid bumping their heads and as soon as they look up again they are presented with a a fascinating display of coloured stalactites which are illuminated by the refracted rays of the sun creeping in. If one is lucky enough, one may also spot a Mediterranean seal or two, which use the cave for shelter.
 There are many sites to see on this little island isolated from the rest of Greece yet undoubtedly a living part of Hellenic history. Opposite Kastelorizo is the islet of Strongili with the light house keepers as its only inhabitants. To the west is the islet of Rho with the little church of Aghios Georgios. It is on this islet that the now famous "Lady of Rho" Despina Achladioti lived, who proudly hoisted the Greek Flag every single day of her life, even when the area had not yet been united with Greece, until her death in 1982 when she was 92 years old. |
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Dry -
mostly cloudy
- thunder; Cumulonimbus clouds, towering cumulus clouds observed |
| Temp.:
15.0°C | 59.0 °F
Hourly
Fluctuation (0.0 °C/hr)
Humidity: 82 %
Wind: 5 bft - S
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01:30 AM
(GMT+2) -
06/01/09 |
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