The Unknown Sailor is a trademark of Andros. A work by Michael Tombros, it has been standing since 1959 in the square of Riva, at the lower end of Chora, in honor of all the sailors who lost their lives at sea.
The square of the Unknown Sailor was once home to the mansions of the Emperors. During the bombardment of the Italian garrison of Andros during World War II, the mansions were razed to the ground and the area was given to the Municipality of Andros.
Years later and with plans by the architect L.D. Kriezis, the square is constructed in a way to host a monument of all the sailors who did not return. The square was completed in 1958. The Unknown Sailor was created by the sculptor with copper as the basic material and sponsored by the Goulandris family. It was placed on its pedestal on November 5, 1959, and was unveiled through celebrations and concerts at the Municipal Theatre. Performers from the Lyric Stage participated and the entire celebration was the subject of national news coverage.
The statue remained steadfast until April 30, 2001, when a strong wind blew it into the marble of the square. After necessary repairs, it was put back in place. It is a legendary statue, a visitor attraction, a landmark, a classic place of reminiscence, and a place of souvenir photos for all visitors to the island
The Bridge of Love in Andros or otherwise known as the Bridge of Little England became famous in recent years due to the film of the same name by Pantelis Voulgaris. Anyone who has seen the film “Little England” will surely remember the kissing scene on the bridge at Piskopeio. The Bridge of Love is located among the lush cypress trees, the beautiful waters, and the wonderful nature of the noble island of Andros. It is a place hidden, protected from the outside world, as love is often hidden, to protect it from the malice and jealousy of our society.
From Andros Town, the Bridge of Love is about half an hour away by car. It is an excellent opportunity for a very beautiful drive, where you can discover Andros’ many beauties. On the way to the Bridge of Little England, you can make a short detour and pass by the enchanting beach “Grias to pidima”, where you can take a short break to dive in its wonderful waters. Very close by is the beach of Korthi, which is also one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. From Korthi in particular, just ten minutes away, you will reach Episkopio, a beautiful picturesque village, which is definitely worth a visit. At this point, you will leave the car and begin your unforgettable trek.
A lovely path, surrounded by quaint, traditional little houses unfolds before you on your way to the Bridge of Love. Tall, green trees, olive, cypress, and fig trees will accompany you until you reach your destination. The whole route is enchanting and you will truly feel like you are in a folk, Greek fairy tale. The entire trail has painted arrows pointing to the location of the Bridge of Little England, so you won’t have any trouble finding it. These beautifully painted arrows are reminiscent of love arrows, the arrows that “hit” people as soon as they meet their other half.
At the end of the route, you will find the beautiful Bridge of Love in Andros. The bridge where the love of Orsa and Spyros took shape. The place where they gave their first kiss and started this secret love, protected by the beautiful nature of Andros, away from all those who wanted to harm them. However, as the bridge is the island’s newest attraction – due to the film – don’t be surprised that many elderly locals don’t know it as the “Bridge of Love”. Either way though, it’s very easy to access and the route is breathtaking.
The Springs of Dionysus are located along the way from Chora to Stavropeda area, via a slight detour through Menites village. The area around Dionysus Springs is picturesque with beautiful landscapes of fountains and old trees. It is a lush green area and really great for trekking. This region is associated with the ancient culture and in particular the Dionysian worship.
People in the ancient times used to believe that the springs gushed from the ancient Temple of Dionysus and that they flowed with wine during the day of his celebration. Indeed, recent excavations have unearthed the remains of an ancient temple very close to the springs.
The mineral water that gushes out of the lion head statues today is said to have therapeutic properties. In the antiquity, the water that used to flow from the crevices in the rocks was carefully collected. As it was a sacred liquid, it was used strictly for ritual purpose and not for any ordinary use.
The Tourlitis Lighthouse in Andros Town stands on an islet and illuminates the route of seamanship for more than 120 years. The picturesque and impressive Tourlitis Lighthouse is also the only one in Europe, built on a rock, in the sea. It was constructed in 1887 and first operated on January 1, 1897. It has a height of 7 meters, a focal height of 36 meters with the luminescence of 11 nautical miles.
The construction was of invaluable importance for the navigation of the era likewise all the lighthouses. It stands opposite the Venetian castle in the capital of Andros, Chora.
Tourlitis LighthouseTourlitis Lighthouse stands out for yet another reason. The fact that it is Greece’s first “automatic” lighthouse with technology that gave it high credibility because it did not require constant surveillance. During the Second World War, in September 1943, the bombing of the Italian Guard by the Germans destroyed Tourlitis, among other buildings.
The Castle of Faneromeni or Pano Kastro was the largest medieval city of Andros, but there are also traces of Roman fortifications. It was built by the Venetians for protection from pirates. It is located north of Korthi, near 600m. altitude. The castle still has ruins of houses, aqueducts, and walls. In addition, the mountains of the area are steep. They give the impression that the rocks are mushrooming at the top. Stones, rocks, and walls justify the myth of the invincible, and many legends have reinforced this view.
Castle of Faneromeni – The legend
Most star as an old woman, who either betrayed or wanted to warn, or tried to escape. Anyway, the memory of the old woman was engraved and a little further down she gave the name to the famous beach “tis Grias to Pidima”. Today the Castle of Faneromeni in Andros can be reached by a route that starts from the village of Korthi. The view of the Aegean is imposing and unique. Near the entrance of the castle (200 meters to the left of the gate) is a cave with stalactites.
Please ensure you are prepared to walk a reasonable distance (including some 170 steps to the entrance).
*As always, when there is a period of walking involved in sight seeing, particularly in the hot summer months, please carry plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes and a hat, have a fully charged mobile phone with you and let your accommodation know where you intend to go.