Tinos Pyrgos

General information

Pyrgos is the largest village in Tinos, located in the northwestern part of the island in the heart of a verdant site. It is considered the most picturesque village on the island, and one of the most beautiful in all of the Cyclades. Its name originated from the Venetian tower that was built in the area during the 16th century, with Pyrgos meaning "Tower" in Greek. Today, it is home to around 500 people.

Pyrgos charms with the numerous marble creations made by the local craftsmen. Marble exists everywhere in the village in different forms, on the fountains, in the cemetery with its wonderful sculptures, and in the completely marble-made buildings. Apart from lending the area a unique charm unlike anything else on the island, these marble features also make Pyrgos an outdoor architectural museum, attesting to its long-standing marble crafting tradition. The narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and churches as well as the colourful flowers decorating the house facades perfectly complement the aristocratic marble features.

The village's main square is remarkable, proudly displaying a large plane tree in the middle, next to the marble fountain. Plenty of shops surround the square, which is great for buying a souvenir from your trip. You will also find cafes and restaurants serving ice-cold coffee and authentic Mediterranean dishes. There are also some accommodations that have been constructed according to the traditional architecture of the area. Some beautiful churches lie Near the square, including the Church of Agios Nikolaos and the Church of Panagia Eleoussa.

Those interested in delving deeper into the island's artistic heritage can visit the Museum of Tinian Artists. Here you will see displays of some of the finest artistic pieces made by local artists throughout the island’s rich history. It is worth mentioning that Pyrgos is the birthplace of many famous Greek sculptors, the most renowned being Yannoulis Chalepas. An exhibition of his works can be seen in the Chalepas Museum, housed inside the ancestral home of the artist. Finally, the Museum of Marble Crafts lies in the eastern part of the village, showcasing the history of marble crafting on the island.

The village is connected with Tinos Town with frequent buses departing from the capital and making stops at Pyrgos.