ΕΛ 
EN 
This year, during our stay in Cape Suites in Kythnos we chose to visit Panagia Kanala. September offers the perfect opportunity to visit popular attractions of the island, at a time that is ideal for enjoying the natural rhythm of Kythnos and its beaches.
About the church of Panagia Kanala
When we booked our accommodation in Kythnos, the church of Panagia Kanala was among our top sights to visit in the island. Panagia Kanala is located in the southeastern part of the island amidst a lush pine forest, 6km from Chora and about 20 minutes from Cape Suites apartments. The temple is built within the one and only pine forest of the island, next to the picturesque settlement of Kanala with its cosy taverns.
This time of year the experience is unique, as the intense shades of green contrast with the endless blue, staging a breathtaking landscape.
The church of Panagia Kanala was built in 1869 and the legends tell of the miraculous finding of the holy icon of Virgin Mary in the strait between Kythnos and Serifos. This original icon is not preserved today, but the church houses the work of the famous iconographer Emmanuel Skordilis, painted in 1575.
The Panagia Kanala Fair on August 15th
On the 15th of August at Panagia Kanala of Kythnos takes place one of the most famous festivals of the Cyclades. The holy shrine of Panagia Kanala is interwoven with the folk tradition of the Aegean (see following video - in Greek).
To honor the patron saint of the island, the residents of Kythnos make a tour of the image of the Virgin Mary as well as a representation of her discovery at sea. People from all over Greece flock to the big festival in honor of Virgin Mary Kanala.
Folk tradition and songs
Η Παναγιά Κανάλα είναι συνυφασμένη με την Κυκλαδίτικη παράδοση, και αναφέρεται συχνά σε λαϊκά τραγούδια και ποιήματα όπως στο τραγούδι «Ω Παναγιά Κανάλα» της Αγγελικής Κονιτοπούλου καθώς και στο ποίημα «Κυκλαδίτικο» του Νίκου Γκάτσου σε μελοποίηση του Μάνου Χατζιδάκι.
Panagia Kanala is interwoven with the Cycladic tradition, and is often mentioned in folk songs and poems such as the song "Oh Panagia Kanala" by Angeliki Konitopoulou (a famous folk singer) and the song "Kikladitiko" which was composed by Manos Hadjidakis based on the poem of Nikos Gatsos.
Photographs: Kythos Cape Suites © All rights reserved
