Chora of Alonissos was the old capital of the island, but because it suffered total destruction in 1965 when it was hit by a major earthquake, most of its inhabitants settled in Patitiri, the current capital.
Chora is located on top of a hill at the southernmost tip of the island. The traditional medieval settlement, whose houses are built next to each other, remind a little of the Pelionite architecture, after the earthquake it was abandoned and re-inhabited, after it was classified as preserved. Some locals sold their dilapidated houses to the foreigners (mainly Germans) who repaired them and several live here permanently.
A walk through the narrow streets of the old capital with the stone-roofed churches and the wonderful view to the sea exceeds all expectations as it hides pleasant surprises at every corner.
The Old Gate or Kazarma is the entrance to the medieval fortification. It is worth visiting the Diokitirio, a reference point of the settlement, built during the period of the Venetian occupation. Also, do not miss to enter the churches of Agios Athanasios and Agios Georgios, but also the small church of Christ with post-Byzantine frescoes, from the 16th - 17th century.
To the north is the monastery of Aghii Anargyri.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou