Stou Stratou - A café in Serifos

History has left strange legends among Serifiotes, names are vestiges to monuments, and the wounds of the centuries are still apparent on this island. Serifos is not only Chora and Livadi, but other places that without a doubt deserve a visit. In particular Megalo Livadi and the Taxiarchon Monastery are not to be missed.

Megalo Livadi

This fishing village is nestled in a splendid bay which was the center of former mining activity. It was the principal mining site and home to the largest mining company, "Serifos Spiliazeza" which was founded there in 1880.

Megalo Livadi

Megalo livadi Testaments to these olden times include the neo-classical governor's mansion from which you can see the beach and remnants of mining excavations.
On the right side of the bay, broken rails emerge from these excavations and tip trucks, eroded by rust, rest where they were left. A loading bridge hangs out over the water, a vision to another time. In Megalo Livadi, it is as if time stands still - a sunset here adds an unreal dimension.

Megalo Livadi also offers two restaurants - one with some of the best cooks on the island.

Cyclopes and Marditsa both have chairs under the trees making a shady and restful respite, combined with the pleasures of a swim.

The Taxiarchon
Monastery

The Taxiarchon Monastery

Founded in 1572, the monastery was an important religious, educational and economic center. It's founding, during the war of Cyprus, corresponds to the arrival in Serifos of the mir icons of archangels Michel and Gabriel. In 1659, it saved residents from the claws of attackers from Cyprus.
The high, fortress-like walls offered lookouts through which the monks could resist attackers. A single entry leads visitors towards the center of the monastery where a church is surrounded by cells of the monks (formerly 100 monks lived there, but now only one remains).
The monastery holds many riches and testaments to the island's past: Icons, frescos of the 18th century, and a bicephalous eagle dating back to 1659. Some of the religious objects are invaluable, handwritten, original documents.

The Taxiarchon Monastery With the end of the Turkish occupation, the educational role of the monastery grew and the Greek revolution saw a growing number of young Serifiotes become scholars.

The Taxiarchon Monastery is easy to find, but it is a good idea to call ahead (Father Macarios) to confirm open hours: 22 81 05 10 27.

The Taxiarchon Monastery