The “iron” island became famous since the prehistoric times for its mines. Iron and copper mines existed since antiquity, and metallurgical activities date back to the Early Cycladic period (3rd millennium BC). The operation of mines boomed the island and the population doubled during the period 1880-1910 due to the influx of workers from other Cycladic islands. In 1915, a metal price crisis broke out and mining production collapsed.
There are two small springs in the area of Megalo Livadi, from which a reddish, warm water with healing properties flowed. The then manager of the mines, Groman, built two stone-built rooms, one for each source, and sent there any worker who thought he was experiencing health problems
Near the village of Galani is the Monastery of Taxiarches, which is of great architectural interest. It was built in 1572, it is a male monastery and in 1617 a kindergarten school was founded in its premises, which had many Venetian estates and great wealth.
The monastery is dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who are also the patrons of the island, and their image transferred from Cyprus is considered miraculous.
The Myth
Medusa
The Cyclops
Serifian frog
