Palamari is located on the northeast coastline of Skyros, 13km away from Chora. Excavations in the area carried out by the Greek Archaeological Service revealed a prehistorical settlement. It dates back to the Early and Middle Copper Period (2500-1800 BC) and stands out for its well-organised urban planning. The remnants of the walls show that it was a well-fortified settlement and a port of major commercial value.
It was founded in 1964 by Manos Faltaits, author and painter, to preserve the traditional heritage of Skyros. Housed in an old mansion of Faltaits family, whose roots date back to the Byzantium, it stands majestically on the northeast edge of the town, built on the biggest tower of the ancient Pelasgian walls of Skyros. It is home to a collection of works of the traditional and contemporary folklore art of the island, such as embroidery, woven textiles, costumes of every social class, cabinet items of everyday use, metalworking and furniture, while it represents a traditional house of Skyros. In addition, it features an interesting library and the archive of Alexandros Papadiamantis, the great Greek author.
Since 960 AD, it stands majestically on the top of Skyros Chora, during the Empire of Nikoforos Fokas. It was built on the castle, with which they share a common and unique entrance from the Iron Gate (“Sideroporta”). The monastery is dedicated to the patron saint of the island. Since 1477, as a glebe it pertains to the Megistis Lavras Monastery of Mount Athos. The current temple of St. George, according to a marble inscription on the bell tower, dates from around 1599-1602. During the 16th century, the monastery was renovated and in time, it was one of the most important pilgrimages of St. George in Greece.
It is the living treasure of the island that you can see as you walk around the island. It is a lovely, social and tranquil animal and an integral part of the Skyros tradition. It comes from an ancient and rare breed and stands out for its rich mane and its tiny body, not exceeding 110 cm. It should be mentioned that it is impossible to find this breed in any other part of the world.
