Description of the attraction
One of the main attractions of the beautiful Greek island of Hydra and its capital of the same name is the Cathedral, also known as the Assumption Church, the Monastery of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or simply "the monastery". The cathedral is the main center of the Greek Orthodox Church on the island of Hydra. It is located on the city's waterfront and cannot be missed (the main landmark is the tall marble clock tower overlooking the harbor).
The first church and several monastic cells were built here in 1643. In 1774, as a result of a strong earthquake, the original structure was extensively damaged and subsequently restored by Venetian architects.
The monastery's Catholicon is made in the Byzantine style and impresses with its splendor. The interior is also breathtaking with its marble iconostasis, excellent frescoes, the earliest of which date from the early 18th century, luxurious chandeliers, a huge number of gold and silver icons from the Byzantine period, etc.
In the very same monastery complex today there are various state institutions, including the mayor's office. In the courtyard there are monuments to the heroes of the Greek Revolution in the struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire (Theodoros Kolokotronis, Aedreas Miaulis, etc.) Here you will also see the tomb of Lazaros Kunturiotis and a war memorial dedicated to the Balkan Wars.
The small but very interesting Church Museum, founded in 1933, located in a former monastic cell, certainly deserves special attention. In the exposition of the museum you can see various church relics, historical documents, luxurious vestments of clergymen, jewelry and much more. The collection of the museum is of great historical and cultural value.
