Pera Kastro, or Castle of Chrysohera, stands next to the cave of the Seven Virgins on the outskirts of Horio. It was built by the knights of the order of St John (1309-1522) on ancient and Byzantine ruins, and it was inhabited in the early 18th century.
In its interior, one can admire the grandiose remains of the church of Panagia Chrysohera (our lady with the golden hands). Tradition tells us that a treasure of golden coins was found under the church's floor, thus the name of the castle.
On the half-ruined fortification walls on the west side, one can still see the coat of arms of the Genoan nobleman Viniali. The temple of the Twins, with its statues, which is now in ruins, used to stand there. Within the castle's precinct are several chapels dedicated to saints.
One of the most significant sights on the island is the ruins and traces of the ancient town at Damos, on the north coast of Kalymnos. In the same area, the excavations have brought to light inscriptions and vessels. Some of these vessels were used by the locals for the decoration of their homes and the churches of the Virgin, the Taxiarchs (archangels) and of St John the Baptist. On the same spot one can also see an ancient cemetery with sculptured graves adorned with funeral gifts from the Hellenistic period.
The archaeological museum of Kalymnos stands in the island's capital in the Agia Ôriada district. It is housed in the two-storied mansion of the island's great benefactress Katerina Vouvali.
In its courtyard, marble inscriptions, uninscribed pillars and parts of statues are on display, while on the ground floor there are artifacts dating from 5000 BC.
On the first floor, one can admire chinaware, Renaissance paintings, works by the donator and copies from Raffaello's paintings, vases, marble and statues. Prehistoric and historic artifacts, as well as an old musical instrument are kept in two additions. Also worth seeing are various ancient pots, a statue of Isis, and the heads of "Pothaia" Aphrodite and Ygeia.
The Castle is one of the most significant sights on Horio. It was built by the Knights of the Order of St John on the site of a Byzantine castle. Today, there are only ruins and traces dating back to the Hellenistic period and the 4th century BC.
Inside the Castle, there is the church of "Panagia Keharitomeni" with a wonderful carved wooden screen. It was there that I. Kolletis raised the Greek flag to announce the island's union with the Greek state.
The Cave of the Seven Virgins or Nymphs, stands northeast of Kalymnos, at the foot of mount Flaskas. According to tradition, the name comes from a story of seven maidens who, threatened with capture by pirates, took refuge in the cave but lost their way and were never seen again. Inside the cave, various votives and offerings have been recovered and are now on display in the archaeological museum of the island. They indicate that in antiquity it was a place of worship for the Seven Virgins.
The cave contains two chambers of 14 and 10 m respectively, along with a huge arched entrance. The biggest part of the entrance has been closed due to landslides. On its left, there is a small place which is believed to have been a place of cult activity in antiquity. Unfortunately, the constant landslips and soil erosions have caused terrible havoc in the interior of the cave and, as a result, the visit to the cave is somewhat hazardous.
The church of Christ is at the centre of the sea-front and is decorated with works of notable artists. Its exquisite temple is a creation of the sculptor Yannoulis Halepas, and the icons are works of Maglis, Georgios Ikonomou, and Alahouzos. At the southern gate of the church stands a headstone made of white marble representing a dead woman with her child. Opposite the gate of the church stands the old chapel of Christ.
The islet of Telendos lies on the west coast of Kalymnos, opposite the settlement of Myrties, and it is surrounded by quiet, picturesque clear-water beaches. The few inhabitants are mainly fishermen who live around its port. It is believed that the two islands were once one until a large earthquake in 535 BC separated them. Telendos can be reached by regular caique service.
On the island, one can admire the small churches, the domes, and the ruins of houses from the Byzantine era. On the west side, there is part of a Byzantine fortress with remains from a fortification wall, cisterns, and the sanctuary of the church of Agios Constantinos. The feast day of the saint attracts pilgrims from all over the island.
The monastery of Panagia Kyra Psili (Our High Lady) stands on the east side of Kalymnos, near Vathis. It was built inside the castle of the same name by a Kalymnian called Rousos. According to tradition, he was kidnapped by the Turks and was
sent to Turkey, where years later he became a pasha by the name of Gioul Ahmed. A long time afterwards while, passing through Kalymnos, he searched for and found his father and then built the monastery of Panagia on the highest top of the island in memory of his years in Kalymnos.
The picturesque monastery of the Cross stands over Kandouni, northeast of the island's capital, and it is literally "suspended" on a hillock at the mouth of a cave. Next to it, a large cross, the monastery's symbol, dominates the area. On the "Feast of the
Cross" on the 14th of September, the church is swarming with believers from all over the island who come to pay their respects.
The statue of the "Mermaid" stands at the entrance of the capital's port and seems as if it welcomes the visitors to the island. Made of bronze and created by the sculptures Irini Kokkinou, it impresses visitors with its beauty and commanding presence.
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