Zygos Monastery / Fragokastro

Excavated remains

the three lead seals of the 11th century, a silver gilt medal inscribed with counsel of Holy Friday, a very small sfrangida sketch of the Archangel, pieces of mosaic glass glazing, copper needles and thimbles, knives, coins of the 11th and 12th centuries, ceramic and glass vases

The Byzantine Tower

The imposing landmark of Ouranoupoli is the fortified Byzantine tower which nests on the rocks on the sea-front by the jetty. The tower was built during the 14th century A.D., certainly before 1344. It was the principal building of the metohi (farm) of Prosforion which belonged to the important monastery of Vatopedi. In May 1379 the ruler of Thessaloniki, Ioannis Palaeologos stayed in the tower and issued various concessions in favor of Mount Athos. He removed the obligation for the metohi (farm) around the tower to pay any tax and the original document is still kept at the monastery of Vatopedi. The farm prospered and expanded, taking over all the land in the area, including that of the monastery of Zygou which had declined by then. The tower was used as the living quarters of the monk managers of the metohi (farm) until 1922. It was set on fire in 1821 but was repaired some time after 1865 when a few other buildings around it were added. Those were an olive press with a water well, an oven, stables, an iron monger's workshop and two large houses where the civilian workers lived. Today only the tower, the iron monger's workshop and the worker's houses survive. You can see archaeological pieces from Toroni, Nikiti and Ierissos. For example Corintian helmes from the 6th Century have recovered from a ship wreck in 110 m depth the Skite Agia Anna. Sightseeing can be ceramics, jewelry, Coins, bronze rings from 10th - 12th centuries. To the upper floors of the tower there is a small chapel with icons and much more...

Ouranoupoli Yesterday and Today

Ouranoupolis yesterday……

The jewel of the village was, and is the Byzantine tower. Built in the 14th Century from the monastery Vatopedi. In the 19 Century, additional buildings were built and one of them is now the office of our community. After the Asia Minor disaster refugees came from the islands of the Marmara Propotida, and found shelter and protection in the tower, in the additional buildings and in tents. In 1926 the first houses were built, then the church, they still exist to this day and the Public school. So was this little town organized and it called . Later in the year 1960 it had the name , but the final name was . In 1928, the tower was inhabited of Mr and Mrs Lock. This couple came here from Australia and was for many years the greatest help that could ever have this community. They helped many families to get an income, with the technique of carpet weaving. In 1960 we attended the first tourists. Roads were made, slowly thereafter came the electric current and the first hotel was built with the name Xenia.

Ouranoupolis today ...........

Ouranoupolis is today one of the most important towns in the northern peninsula of Halkidiki. It has 960 residents, hotels, rooms, restaurants, cafes, a bar, shops with folk art, jewelry shops, a pharmacy, doctor, Port Authority, Public School and the Church & Eleni Konstantinou. The guests can buy local products like olive oil, wine, raki, honey, oregano, tea and enjoy the freshest fish of course. In the spring begin the Mount Athos cruises. You can see some Monasteries of a certain distance. If you want to visit a Monastery, you'll need a permit. 2km from the village begins the border of the Holy Mount Athos. There are the ruines of the Monastery . The guests can enjoy many parts of the excavations. 2 miles from Ouranoupolis are the islands , with the beautiful beaches. There is a restaurant , chairs and umbrellas, which are free for the guests. There are regular boats to there, but you can also rent a boot from Christos and Nikos, mobile: 6976487873 to explore the whole area with all the beautiful beaches yourself.....

Room No7 - Double Room with a balcony and panoramic view to the port and the Islands Drenia