Galaxidi
A great harbor of antiquity, embracing Parnassus
Galaxidi is one of the most beautiful natural harbors in Greece, and one of the oldest ones too. The town was listed under conservation order in 1978.
During the ancient times, the area of Galaxidi was inhabited by the Ozolian Locrian people in the 8th century BC. The ancient city of Chalaion was also located in this area and was one of the major cities as it contained the temple of Apollo. Its inhabitants were mainly involved in shipping and trade. Archaeologists have also found inscriptions and a Mycenaean village dated around that time.
Today Galaxidi has a majestic type of beauty that takes one back in time. It was an important port until the late 19th century and still carries the aura of that period, boats moored along the harbor, wooden ships anchored and mansions built amphitheatrically around the port. It is an ideal destination with an historical ambience that has remained intact thanks to the respect locals have for their traditions. Since it is in close proximity, it is an excellent option for a day trip. A trip that combines fresh fish for lunch and a pleasurable stroll along the sea beginning at the main harbor towards the fir wooded hill where the Department of Tourism is situated, or towards Chirolaka village in the opposite direction. The drive up until the Sotira Monastery is also an excellent idea, and the view is beautiful.
Do not forget to visit the Maritime Museum, one of the finest maritime museums in the country. Its collection comprises pictures of ships, naval devices, maps, photos, ship registries, articles of association, works by local painter Spyros Vassiliou, and of course, “akroprora”, female figure-heads from ship beams, starring at the sea to tame it. When a captain died, both the “akroproro” and the window shutters were painted black.
Another major attraction is the church of Aghios Nikolaos, erected on the ruins of a pagan sanctuary believed to have been dedicated to Apollo Nasiota. The church was built in 1900, by architects Hager and Papapetros. The basilica has three aisles, a dome, and two bell towers. Its “templon” (icon stand) is made of wood from walnut trees carved by an unknown craftsman for a period of ten years.
Also worth visiting is the chapel of Aghia Paraskevi, built in 1848 which is next to the church of Aghios Nikolaos. It is characterized by its solar clock. As the sun enters the church through a narrow opening on its top, at a specified time of day, it casts its light to the signs of the zodiac carved on the stone-paved floor of the church by Captain Skourtis. Lastly, the Old School (one of the oldest in the country) built under Ioannis Kapodistrias rule is also close by.
Galaxidi is a lively town all year long. A special time to visit is at the end of the Carnival season, with the traditional «Flour Smudging» on Clean Monday.
«Rice Ravani» is the most well known traditional local sweet. The origin of the recipe is linked to the local naval tradition since the sweet pastry had to be preserved at room temperature for several days, on board ship.
Maritime Museum
tel.: 22650 41795 – 22650 41558
