Throughout its eventful history, Galaxidi saw many conquerors — Romans, Slavs, Franks, Knights of Rhodes, and Ottoman Turks — yet it proudly rose to become one of the greatest maritime powers in the Mediterranean, with its sailing ships traversing distant seas. The town’s long and storied past can be felt at every step.
Ancient Monuments
In the Kalafatis area lie the ruins of ancient Ianthi and rock-cut tombs from that time. Near the beach, the remnants of the city’s ancient walls are still visible, and at the edge of the wall, carved into the rock, stands the Tomb of the Locrian — believed to have once served as an early Christian catacomb. In the area of Penteoria, near the site of the 1825 battle against the Turks, stands the so-called “King’s Palace,” an unexplored archaeological site featuring mosaic floors.
Maritime Museum of Galaxidi
The town’s rich maritime history is housed in a renovated 19th-century building. Exhibits include paintings of sailing ships, carved wooden figureheads, nautical instruments, masts, photographs and engravings, ship logs and registries, as well as the famous handwritten Chronicle of Galaxidi, penned in 1703 by the hieromonk Efthymios — all bearing witness to Galaxidi’s former glory.
Folklore Museum of Galaxidi
Housed in a grand old mansion, the Folklore Museum of Galaxidi showcases objects linked to traditional and contemporary local culture. Visit not only to admire the beautiful building, but also to see rare traditional costumes, embroidery, woven textiles, household utensils, and photographs capturing moments of local folk life.
Holy Churches
Church of Saint Nicholas
The magnificent Church of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of sailors and the protector of Galaxidi, with its impressive dome and twin bell towers, stands proudly on the highest hill of the town. Built in Byzantine style, it was completed in 1902. Its ornate wooden iconostasis, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament, is considered a masterpiece of woodcarving.
Chapel of Saint Paraskevi
Next to the Church of Saint Nicholas lies the small chapel of Saint Paraskevi, known for its serene and reverent atmosphere. A rare marble zodiac circle on the interior floor impresses visitors, while a unique sundial in the courtyard marks the passage of time with the help of sunlight.
Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour
Just outside Galaxidi, atop the enchanting hill of Agia Triada, stands the Byzantine Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. It was built by Michael II, Despot of Epirus (1210–1270), on the ruins of an ancient sanctuary. Earthquakes in 1580 and 1660 caused the collapse of the cells and the main church. The famous “Chronicle of Galaxidi” was discovered in the ruins by Konstantinos Sathas. The monastery was restored in the 20th century, with new cells, a new guesthouse, and a stone courtyard wall now in place.
