Pothia the main port and capital of Kalymnos

Pothia the capital and port of Kalymnos, is built amphitheatrical between two mountains. Wander through the narrow streets, visit the museums with rich archaeological finds and sea exhibits (from ancient shipwrecks to objects related to the profession of sponging and sponge processing).

On the seafront is the Cathedral of Sotiros Christos with the marble iconostasis, the work of the sculptor Giannoulis Halepas. In Pothia you will see three imposing buildings built between 1930-1935 by the Italians, the City Hall,  the District building and the Customs House.

It is also worth seeing the church of Agios Nikolaos in Teloneio, while in the districts of Ypapanti, Evangelistria, Agios Theologos and Patithries you will find most of the neoclassical houses of Dodecanese architecture. High on the steep hill is the Monastery of All Saints, where the holy temple of Ag. Saturday.

Chorio is an extension of Pothia. It is built in a valley far from the sea because of the pirates. It is a place where even today they keep the traditions alive. The most important attractions of Kalymnos are located in the area. Pera Kastro or Castle of Chora, is located on the hill on a steep rock, which was built in the Byzantine years by the Knights of the Order of Saint John.

Another attraction are the monasteries which are scattered between the Castle and offer a panoramic view. There is also the first metropolis of Kalymnos, the church of Panagia Kecharitomeni with its famous gilded iconostasis.

The church of Christ of Jerusalem was built on the ruins of the ancient temple of Delian Apollo, which in ancient times was the protector of the island. Right next to the Church of Christ of Jerusalem is the small monastery of Agia Sophia. The highest peak of Kalymnos (670 meters) is dominated by the prophet Elias.