Glossa - Skopelos - Sporades Islands Greece
Located on the north west side of the island of Skopelos on the slopes of Mount Delphis, at an altitude of 240 meters is the inspiring village of Glossa. It is the highest built village found anywhere in the Sporades.
The views from Glossa are breathtaking and truly inspiring, and from here one can enjoy the views towards the neighbouring island of Skiathos, the mountains of the Pelion peninsula and the eastern coast of of the island of Evia.
The ancient name of the village was "Knossia", which offers evidence to the "Minoan" roots of the island. In the old days, Glossa was known as "Platana" ( plane tree ), because of the number of plane trees that grew within the ravines of the village.
Glossa is the second largest village on Skopelos, and is 22km away from the main village of Chora ( Hora ). The village is amphitheatrically built with many stone cobbled paths, offering a very traditional and quaint setting.
One site worth visiting in Glossa is the "Folklore Museum", where you can see some of the beautiful exhibits of traditional costumes, tools and household utensils. The people of Glossa are very proud of the heritage and traditions and such costumes are still preserved today in their life style.
Close to Glossa is the monastery of Ag. Taxiarhon, which was build around 1600 at an altitude of 300 meters. Within the grounds of the monastery, visitors can see the ruins of a PaleoChristian church, and the ossuary ( urn preserving the bones ) of the monks that lived there.
Also worth visiting in the small church of Ag.Gianni, that is located approximately 8km from Glossa. The church was built on the top of a rock, and to reach it, you will need to climb up the 104 steps. From the top of the rock, you will be rewarded with some beautiful views out towards the Aegean Sea.
The small yet very beautiful hamlet of Loutraki is located just 6km from Glossa, and this is where you will find the second port of the island.
During the summer months, there are several cultural events and festivals that take place. At the beginning of August, a series of cultural events, named "Loizia" take place, which are dedicated to the Greek composer "Manos Loizos".
Another large religious festival takes place on the 15th August with traditional songs and dance. Everyone is welcome to attend these events and join in with the celebrations and festivities.
VILLAGE OF ATHEATO
Close to Glossa is the small traditional village of "Atheato ( Mahalas )". that has existed since the Turks were on the island, and which was then known as "Mahalas".
The name of the village "Atheato" actually means 'unseen', due to the geographic position of the village. It was built inside a small gorge, in order to remain unseen by pirates who sailed the nearby waters.
Atheato is just 1km from the centre of Glossa, and provides a wonderful setting for visitors to enjoy interesting walks through the cobble-stoned paths, walking past the old houses and mansions that were built between the 16th and 19th centuries. Today the village is very popular with people who are buying the old houses and mansions, in order to renovate them, and relocate there.
