Agios Yannis -Agio Galas trail

Trail type: A hike on a mountainous trail
Distance: 2.400 m
Time: Approximately 45 min

The trail, however, is distinct in that the easily approachable segment at the beginning of the trail, that is, Agio Galas, comprises all the monuments. This distinction, in conjunction with the uphill climb, which at some points becomes rather exhausting, forced the surveyor to establish Agios Yannis' settlement as the starting point. Therefore, the trail is primarily downhill, thereby leaving "the best for last". We must drive to Agios Yannis by car to get to the starting point of the trail. The dirt road that leads to the settlement is approximately 1.5 Km. After Agio Galas and in the direction of Nenitouria. We have reached the detour when we come upon the cement dam. As we climb Agios Yannis, we sit under the tall oak tree, admiring the open view of the Aegean and Psara. We can drink water from the fountain or from the old village spring, then climb up to the "bird observatory" and then downhill to Agio Galas, all the while, studying the remaining houses on our path. The trail is relatively easy as it passes through the Amanis slopes. Once upon a time, inhabitants sowed wheat along these slopes; however, they are filled with wild shrubs, oaks and grass now, an incredible yellow sight in the spring. As we proceed downhill, we see a panoramic view of Agio Galas, the Virgin Mary, Psara and the deep blue Aegean. There are threshing floors and a few staircase levels alongside the hills. These are the only remaining pieces of evidence left in indication of past human activities that existed amongst the infertile slopes of Amanis. We reach Agio Galas and continue hiking as we follow the signs leading to our final destination, that is, the church of the Virgin Mary of Agiogalousena as well as the cave. We go down 110 steps (approximately) that lead from the village to the Virgin Mary and we see the small church of Agios Thalaleos, whose name was first bequeathed to the village. Highlights - Agios Yannis: An abandoned village on the Amanis slope. Its location is alluring, offering an infinite view of the Aegean, as well as an unforgettable sunset. The homes, basically in ruins, reveal the architecture of the small, poor village homes of the area. The villagers that sowed the barren slopes of Amanis used to say, "Spiti oso horeis kai ktima oso thoreis", meaning that their homes were built small, just enough to fit all family members, while they were to cultivate as much land as they could, in order to survive. The ground floor of the two story homes was used as a stable. There was an inner staircase within the home, which led to the balcony. That way, both floors could be accessed from within. The home interior usually had two rooms. The fireplaces today are still maintained and so are the thick shafts located I the center of the room that served to hold up the roof. The village was abandoned around 1960. - Agio Galas: The furthest village from Chios, known for the church of the Virgin Mary of Agiogalousena and its cave. The location of the church protected it from pirates since it was built on a hummock. The side of the hummock facing the sea is a sharp cliff. A watchtower operated in the village. - The cave: It does not contain a particular decor with its stalactites and stalagmites; however, its size as well as its numerous cavities it encloses within is impressive. From an archeological point of view, it is one of the most valuable caves in Greece, since traces of inhabitants dating back to the Early Neolithic Age (around 6.000 B. C.) have been found within. The visitation area extends approximately 250 m. in length whilst in branches off into various directions. Plenty of light has been provided. - The Virgin Mary of Agiogalousena: A small Byzantine church with a dome that was built during the 13th century. Located at the cave's entrance, it literally "hangs" from the rocks. We see an impressive wood-carved iconostasis within the church and samples of the rich iconography that once covered the entire church. - The church of Agios Thalaleous: A small church, older than Agiogalousena, with a very precious wood-carved iconostasis. Text by Giannis Makridakis