Cathedral of St. Constantine and St. Helen (1835)
In the most prominent location of the island right above
Mandraki the metropolitan temple of the patron saints of the
island Constantine and Helen dominates.
It is a brilliant religious and architectural jewel, closely
related with the social and cultural life of Kastellorizo,
from its foundation until nowadays. It is a church of unique
art, with a three-nave basilica, rich icons, marble icons
screens and a tall marble bell tower.
The roof of the Cathedral lies on twelve enormous monolithic
granite pillars, brought especially from Patara (Lycea) in
1835, when the historic cathedral was built. According to
tradition, these pillars are from the ancient Temple of Pythius
Apollo.
Blue Cave
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The famous aqua colored cave of
Kastellorizo is one of the rarest geological phenomena
and one of the most amazing formations on earth; Kastellorizo
is worth visiting just for this cave.
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Also known under the name of “Parastas Cave” or “Fokiali”
– due to the seals (fokia in Greek) that live inside it –
it is the largest and most beautiful caves of Greece while
it is also considered to be the most phantasmagoric cave of
the Mediterranean Sea.
It is situated at south of the island, it is 75m long (inside),
40m wide and 35m high, and the entrance has the height of
a small boat that can just pass through the mouth when the
sea is calm at dawn.
The calm waters of the cave look like an immense blue-green
mirror with plenty of iridescence, which seems to illuminate
this enormous fairy-like palace, the numerous stalactites
and the thousands of wild pigeons, with various colors.
Ro islet
Located on the SW side of the island is the islet of Ro
that you can only visit by boat. Well known for its ‘Lady
of Ro” who was its only inhabitant, and who for decades rose
the Greek flag every morning.
Still, you may visit the islet of Stroggili on which is the
nautical lighthouse – the island’s only inhabitants are its
lighthouse keepers.
Both islets (Ro and Stroggili) offer crystal clear waters
and are ideal for a swim.
At last, the visitor should know that Kastellorizo has many
important feasts and celebrations.
The most important one is on July 20, for the celebration
of Prophet Elija.On this day the locals dive into the waters
in honor of the saint.
Also, on the 13th of September there are celebrations for
the Day of Independence of the island.
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