Description of the attraction
In the northwestern part of the Greek island of Folegandros, about five kilometers from the administrative center of Chora (or Folegandros), there is a small picturesque town of Ano Merja. It is the third largest settlement on the island after Chora and the port of Karavostasi and one of the most picturesque places in Folegandros, which is definitely worth a visit.
Ano Merja is a traditional Cycladic village with pretty white houses with blue doors and shutters, old windmills, narrow winding streets and cozy taverns where you can relax while enjoying the excellent local cuisine and hospitality of the local people. Unlike Chora and Karavastosi, Ano Merje is never too crowded and this is a great opportunity to completely immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of a small island town, whose inhabitants jealously cherish their traditions and live in their own special rhythm. When visiting one of Ano Merii's taverns, do not forget to taste the famous matsata - homemade noodles, which are usually served with stews (rabbit or poultry). However, local pastries cooked in the oven on brushwood, goat cheese and excellent honey, for which this Greek island is so famous, also deserve special attention.
The main attraction of Ano Merya is the relatively small but very entertaining Ethnographic Museum, opened back in 1988. It is located in a typical rural house of the 19th century, which includes a residential house, various outbuildings, a small orchard and a vineyard, which, of course, allows you to accurately convey the peculiarities of life and life of the inhabitants of Folegandros in the 19th century.
