Paleokastro Monastery, Mykonos

Paleokastro, meaning Old Castle in Greek, is an 18th-century nunnery (female monastery) named after Paleokastro, a nearby hill. On the hilltop are the remains of Gyzi Castle, built during the rule of the Gyzi family, a noble Venetian family ruling in Medieval times, to protect the island from pirates and enemy attacks. The Paleokastro Monastery is located near the second village of Mykonos, Ano Mera, in one of the greenest spots on the island.

The monastery was designed in the Cycladic architectural style, featuring completely white buildings with beautiful gardens, stone-paved roads, and light blue churches, which is typical of the Greek Isles. The nunnery, surrounded by a courtyard, has benches and well-kept greenery.

The interior is painted with icons and has a stunning altar. The nunnery also has a small museum on the second floor that contains church relics and artifacts.

There are attractive sights near Paleokastro Monastery that visitors should take time to see. A large granite rock near the monastery is believed to be a prehistoric tomb or an ancient symbol of worship. The nearby church of Saint Vlasis is a small building with a bright blue door and red roof. Two stone buildings were home to the castle guards who served under Venetian rule.