Aspropyrgos is situated near Koutalas village, 10 km south-west of Hora. It is a Hellenistic fortress of great historical
importance connected with significant moments in the history of
Serifos.
The monastery of the Taxiarches was built in the early 17th century. It is the most significant sight of Serifos and is 8 km north of Hora. On the outside, it seems like a huge fortress with a high wall and various other edifices which house cells and a small notable collection of ecclesiastical relics, Byzantine manuscripts and rare documents.
Inside, its main construction is an exquisite marble floor with a depiction of a two-headed eagle dating back to 1690, parts from noteworthy murals of Emmanoulis Skordilis, valuable old icons, and a wonderful marble-and-wood-carved screen. Also among the island's treasures is a magnificent casket and a carved episcopal throne.
The famous Venetian castle overlooks Hora. The armorial bearings of several Venetian families, which are carved on various parts of the castle, remind the visitor of the Venetian rule that strongly influenced the island. What still remains from the
constructive unit of the castle that once knew periods of great
grandeur is only a part of its walls. A series of old chapels
surround the castle, like the one of Agios Ioannis Theologos, built
on the ruins of an ancient temple of Athena. The castle offers a
breathtaking view to the sea.
http://www.areianet.gr/infoxenios/
