The rural town of Ano Mera offers a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of Mykonos Town. Set in the countryside, about 8 km inland from the busier main town of the island, Ano Mera features the Panagia Tourliani Church and Cloister dating back to the 16th century. Another historical treasure of Ano Mera is the 12th century Monastery of Paleokastro on a nearby hill and the remains of a castle and fort built and then abandoned during the Byzantine era.
The Monastery of Panagia Tourliani is beautiful both inside and out. The architecture includes an intricately carved marble belltower and fountain, while the interior is richly decorated and is home to valuable ancient religious icons. Carved figures of the apostles, detailed embroideries, decorative hanging incense holders and other fascinating items are on display.
On a hill north of the town stands the Paleokastro Monastery. The architecture of the monastery, with its square shape and whitewashed walls, is typical of that found in the Cyclades region of Greece and includes the Church of Agio Vlassis. The name of the monastery means "old castle", being a reference to the Byzantine castle which once stood nearby. Next to the monastery stands a 3 meter high granite menhir which is believe to have either been a symbol of worship in ancient times, or a maybe gravestone.
Take a scenic drive to Ano Mera and enjoy the history and tradition of this charming village. A number of coffee shops and tavernas are situated around the small central square and there is a range of accommodation options available. Travel from Ano Mera to some of the island's spectacular beaches, including Kalo Livadi, Elia, Kalafatis and Agia Anna Kalafatis.
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(Ano Mera pictures courtesy of Bernard Gagnon and Bgabel at Wikimedia Commons)
