Preparation:

1. Soak the gelatin in cold water for about 10 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat the milk, cream, and sugar to just before the boiling point. Add the Chios Mastiha.
3. Strain the gelatin in a fine sieve and add it to the cream, stirring continuously over low heat. As soon as the mixture starts to simmer, remove from heat and add the pistachios.
4. Pour equal amounts of the cooked Chios Mastiha cream into 8 Martini glasses or small bowls. Let cool at room temperature and then chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours. Serve, if desired, with caramel syrup and garnish with chopped unsalted pistachios.

Makes 8 servings.

Excerpt from:
Ancient Greek Technology,
by Ailos Publications
(in English and Greek)

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GEOGRAPHY Amorgos is the easternmost island of the Cyclades, lying between Naxos, the Lesser Cyclades and Astypalaia. 121 sq. km. in area, 112 km. of coastline, it is 240 nautical miles from Piraeus. Both the island's ports are linked with Piraeus, five days a week during the summer (Katapola) and three times a week throughout the year (Aigiali). During the summer season there is also a boat from Rafina to Katapola once a week. The island’s capital is Amorgos (Chora) with a population of 1,718. The terrain is mountainous (highest peak Krikelon, 821 m. a.s.l.) and is bisected a mountainous ridge which effectively divides the island into two sections, east and west with fertile valleys in between and flat, fertile strips around the two bays (Katapola and Aigiali). The authentic Cycladic atmosphere, beautiful beaches and relaxed rhythm of life in its small villages are idyllic conditions for those seeking a quiet vacation without particular comforts, since there are few facilities for tourists and the road network is undeveloped.



HISTORY data from excavations conducted on the island demonstrate not only that it was settled in prehistoric times, but that it experienced a significant floruit during the period of the Cycladic civilisation. Apart from pottery, weapons and tools, a series of figurines has been discovered (nowadays in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens) of exceptionally harmonious proportions and large size. In historical times three cities existed on the island - Aigiale on its northeast side, Arkesine (presant-day Kastri) in the west, which were founded by Ionian colonisers from Naxos, and Minoa (near Katapola), settled by Samian colonisers during the 7th century BC. Commerce and seafaring brought prosperity to the island and art and letters flourished. The lyric poet Simonides lived here around the middle of the 7th century BC. A member of the Athenian League, Amorgos passed to the Ptolemies of Egypt in Hellenistic times, later to the Romans, while in the Byzantine period it was part of the Thema of the Aegean. From 1207 onwards it belonged to the Duchy of Naxos and after its sacking by Barbarossa in 1537 was captured by the Turks. Throughout its history the island was plagued by piratical incursions.

SIGHTS-MONUMENTS Chora, the island's capital, northeast of its harbour, Katapola, is a picturesque village with steep, narrow streets, windmills, brilliant white houses and remnants of the Venetian castle (sections of the enceinte, battlements and ruined buildings) built in the 13th century. A small archaeological collection of finds from all over the island is housed in an I8th century mansion in town. Northeast of Chora, perched on a precipitous cliff 300 m. a.s.l. is the Chozoviotissa monastery, a multi-storey building, according to one tradition founded in the 11th century by the emperor Alexios Comnenus, and to another by monks from Palestine. The monastery is dedicated to the Virgin (Feast of the Presentation, 21st November) and in it are housed valuable manuscripts and icons. About 15 km. northeast of Chora is Aigiali, reached by boat from Katapola There is a road from Chora to Aigiali and though less comfortable it gives one the opportunity of seeing the Island's landscape (remember to take a supply of water). At Terlaki and Richti there are ruins of Hellenistic towers. The gulf of Aigiali with its three white hamlets — Potamos, Langada, Tholaria— is one of the loveliest regions on the island. Only a few remnants of ancient Aigiale have survived —ruins of the Archaic and Classical fortification wall on The eminence Vigla where the ancient acropolis was. A pathway leads from Langada to the abandoned monastery of St. John the Theologian with its lovely wall-paintings. The island's main port, Katapola, on its west side comprises three settlements— Katapola, Rachidi and Xylokeratidi. During the 19th century it was a thriving port and anchorage for ships, since it is sheltered from prevailing winds. Northwest of the harbour is the site of ancient Minoa, of which only scant vestiges are preserved. In the environs of the church of the Virgin Katapaliani, built on the site or an Early Christian basilica, stood the temple of Apollo Pythios. On the southeast side of the island is another deserted monastery, of St. George Balsamites, founded in 1631. Nowadays only the homonymous church is preserved. West of it there was a water mill and above this are traces of a Venetian tower. A path leads from this point to Marmara where there is a ruined Cyclopean wall and the foundations of buildings. On the southeast side, beyond the villages of Vroutsi and Kamari, where there is a Byzantine church of St. Nicholas, is the site of ancient Arkesine. Remains of the fortifications of the ancient city are preserved, the most important on the entire island. The acropolis was located on a low eminence where the church of the Virgin Kastriani stands today. Foundations of houses can also be discerned on the hill, dating from the Classical to the Roman period, while the site was occupied even in prehistoric times, as evident from pot sherds. Remains of the Venetian fortification are also preserved. North of Arkesine and close to the church of the Holy Trinity, Stands the Hellenistic tower popularly known as Pyrgos tuo Choriou. In the area of Kolofana there are ruins of three similar towers.

The island has several beautiful beaches suitable for both swimming and fishing. Apart from those at Katapola, the other beaches are only accessible by caique: Arkesine, Kalotaritisa, Faros, Aghia Anna, Paradeisia. Those visitors with their own boat may explore other coves and even nearby offshore islets, Anydros, Kynouros and Nikouria. Accommodation is available in furnished rooms and apartments in Chora, Aigiali and Katapola and there is hotel at Aigiali.

Next month: The Islands of the Cyclades - Lesser Cyclades, Part 20 of 22

Vintage Greek City Photos from the Cyclades Island Region - Amorgos
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