History

Tinos, the island of Aeolus

From Mythology, the verbal tradition of Hellenic History, we learn that Tinos has been incessantly inhabited since the prehistoric times, in the Proto-Cycladic Period (3000-2300 BC). Tinos was the Κing of the Ionians who chose to migrate from Asia Minor to the island of Aeolos. On the windswept island of Tinos, Aeolus was worshipped for what he offered: open sails, and a clean, healthy atmosphere. No wonder the inhabitants looked to Aeolos not only for the welcomed northern wind but also for their healing. Even the Virgin Mary chose Kechrovouni, the windiest spot of Tinos, to have her monastery built on.

Tinos, the island of Panagia

When the winds of the Revolution blew for the Hellenes in 1821, the inhabitants of Tinos were the first in the Cyclades to revolt; an invaluable contribution to the War of Independence, especially after the miraculous discovery of the Icon of the Holiest Mother Mary (Panagia) in 1823. Panagia had revealed Her sign, and those fighting for Nation and Faith came to Tinos to venerate Her Holy Icon: Kolokotronis, Miaoulis, Nikitaras, Makryiannis. The latter had his family on the island and would visit them when he could. When Makryiannis’ “Memoirs” were in peril, they were salvaged on Tinos. This is how the Greek people came to know “the bare truth … of our fathers’ fights and sacrifices” and learned not to mistake “influence for ability”.

Ever since, Tinos has been one of the top religious destinations in Greece, combining the sacred pilgrimage of Panagia with the unique beauty of a Cycladic island.