Page 43 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

Wonderful Windmills
The iconic windmills found across the Cyclades
(most famously on Mýkonos) used the strong
Greek wind to grind wheat husks, producing
the flour used by bakers across the islands.
None of these windmills still function, though
some have been turned into museums, but
they do make for excellent photos.

The picture-perfect
windmills of Mýkonos,
iconic island landmarks

Ships of Salvation
Perched upon hilltops, island monasteries
were seen as ships of salvation upon a sea of
sin. The katholikón (main church) dominates
a central courtyard, while stout perimeter
walls and maybe a tower defend against
sinful marauders, usually pirates. Akin to
fortresses, many are still standing, inclu ding
Néa Moní on Híos (p126) and the Monastery
of St John on Patmos (p160).

The heavily fortified Monastery of St John
looming over the island of Patmos

Ageing Gracefully
Many of the island’s ancient
temples belong to the Doric order
from around the 4th and 5th
century BC. It is a style defined
by its unadorned columns and
tiled-roof gables, as well as
three-dimensional sculptures
and statues. Temples worth
travelling for include the Temple
of Aphaia on Égina (p94) and
Lindos’s Athena temple, which
has the best view around (p174).

The well-preserved
ruins of the Temple of
Aphaia on Égina

43

042-043_EW_Greek_Islands.indd 43 28/11/2018 12:05