Location information

Arts & Culture

KALYMNOS (Island) DODEKANISSOS
  Apart from being renowned the world over as the island of the Sponge Divers, Kalymnos is also the island of Letters and the Arts. Scattered around the island are churches worth visiting and museums where works of art and findings of inestimable value are exhibited. Since the late 1800s a great number of inspired artists, painters, sculptors and men of letters have left their stamp upon the world of Art.
  Several of the above were the offspring of simple-divers. And yet we see them acquiring a good education and developing into outstanding talents. They have brilliant careers and create masterpieces.
  Some of the most significant painters are: S. Maglis, S. Galouzis, G. Economou, M. Zairis, M. Alahouzos, A. Karafyllakis, Billiris, Kourounis and Tataris.
  There are numerous churches where one can find these artists’ works and whose architectural style is to be greatly admired, such as: the Cathedral Church of Christ the Saviour, the Church of Virgin Mary at Hora with its gild temple, the Church of Panagia Hosti in Vathi, the Church of the Apostles in Argos, of St. George in Panormos, of Agios Savas and many others.
  The museums one can visit are: the Archaeological museum ("Vouvalio"), the Maritime museum and the Folk museum in Pothia. There one can find items that show the customs the working methods and the habits of the sponge divers. The Valsamides museum in Vlychadia, which contains unique underwater findings. Finally the Traditional House on the way to Agios Savas where you will be taken back in time and will get an idea of customs and traditional lifestyle of the island.
This text (extract) is cited November 2003 from the Municipality of Kalymnos tourist pamphlet.