If you visit the island of Kea, just an hour ferry boat travel from the port of Lavrio, do not miss a drive up to Ioulida or Chora, the capital.

The neoclassical building of the Town Hall dominates the square. It was built in 1902 at the time of Gregory Ieromnimon. Its services have moved some years ago to make space for the School of Music. There are statues on the roof of the neoclassical mansion; flower pots decorate the surrounding steps.

On a Good Friday preceding the Orthodox Easter, here meet the four ‘epitaphs’ that are carried in their flower decorations from each of the corresponding churches of Ioulida. The long procession of candles lit up revives customs that have survived centuries, while it marks a moment of spiritual uplifting and collective memory for the community.

“The square is considered to be the south end of the historical centre because from there stand the more recent parts of the settlement. Up to this point, we meet a few middle class houses sparsely interspersed between the popular Cycladic houses, above and below the central road (house of I.Gleoudis, the group of houses of the Ieromnimon family, Rediadion). This therefore confirms the idea that Katochori was inhabited by the upper and middle class trade and craftsmen. The Cathedral of Ioulis, Dimotikia (annunciation of Virgin Mary) dominates Katochori.”
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Source: Tassos Anastassiou, Kea, History Sightseeing, guide book, Hermoupolis 2007,
p. 79  

The children keep the square of Ioulida buzzing. You would appreciate the food, the coffee, the drinks – sitting in the tavernas, the coffee shops, the bakeries, the bars around the square of Chora and all the way up to the church – do not miss to visit the Lion/Leon, the famous statue. 

Walking downhill stop at the lilliputian church, two people would barely fit in.

Tzia or Kea offers the wild beauty of natural landscape, where the winds rage.

Elsewhere you come across meadows, oak forests, fields with figs of indie, vegetables and mediterranean gardens. The island is rich in archaeology and history, music, customs and traditions. The locality and all that takes place here, everything that inspires and holds are part of Kea’ s Cultural Heritage. 

The Archaeological Museum at Chora houses the Kores – the findings from the archaeological site of Agia Irini.
Get informed about the opening hours!

If you do not make it to the Museum you may get an impression from my corresponding blog post. ⬇

https://urbantraveltales.com/2012/08/08/the-daughters-of-kea-and-ayia-irini-οι-κόρες-της-κέας-και-η-αγία-ειρή/?preview=true&pr

I leave the car at the parking lot, 10 minutes walk from the square. Vehicles are not allowed up up to Chora or Ioulida. you have to leave it in the parking space.
Especially in the autumn and in winter, do not miss the chance to explore inland.  The paths of Chora, the trails that lead to The Lion and so much more are hidden treasures.

 There is always the sunset.

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Explore Kea or Tzia through my blog posts:

The Daughters of Kea and Agia Irini

To the Lighthouse of Saint Nicolas/ Προς το Φάρο του Άη Νικόλα

Walking the trail to the ancient Karthea, at the Greek island of Kea

Take a walk in the unseen side of the Greek island of Kea, from the Byzantine times