Description of the attraction
On the northern coast of the Gulf of Corinth, at the foot of Mount Parnassus, lies the small seaside town of Galaxidi. It belongs to Phocis and belongs to the municipality of Delphi. The colorful town is famous for its maritime traditions and centuries-old history, which dates back to 1400 BC.
The first settlement was founded by the Locrians (the most ancient Greek tribes) and was then called Oyonfei. The town got its current name somewhere between the 6th and 9th centuries AD. It was then that Galaxidi grew to a renowned maritime and trade center with the See of the Byzantine Archbishop. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the city became a major center for the shipbuilding of sailing ships and played an important role in the Greek War of Independence with the Ottoman Empire, supplying ships for the Greek fleet. During the war, the city was destroyed by the Turks three times, but was rebuilt in the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, with the development of steam navigation, Galaxidi fell into decay, as new technologies were not within the reach of local shipbuilders. The city was rapidly emptying. The city was not spared by the Second World War, the occupying Italian troops were based here. Decades later, tourism gave a new breath to the city.
The city is famous for its Maritime Museum, located in an old building built in 1870. For some time, the museum building was used as a town hall. The exhibits of the museum perfectly illustrate the history and maritime traditions of these places, dating back to ancient times. Since 1932, an art gallery has been operating in the museum with picturesque canvases on a marine theme.
Among the famous religious buildings of Galaxidi, the temple of St. Nicholas can be distinguished. Its predecessor was built in the 7th century AD. on the site of the ancient sanctuary of Apollo, but was destroyed in the war with the Turks. The temple that we see today was built in 1900 and is made in the Byzantine style. Nearby is the chapel of St. Paraskeva, built in 1848. The highlight of this chapel is the sundial.
In September 2008, on the International Day of Maritime Navigation, a monument to the sailor's wife was unveiled on the embankment, symbolizing the maritime traditions of the city and the important role of women in the families of sailors.
Galaxidi is one of the most popular resorts on the shores of the Gulf of Corinth. Picturesque nature and warm clear sea, cobbled streets and old mansions, archaeological and historical sights, cozy cafes and restaurants with seafood delicacies make your stay in this resort town truly unforgettable.
