Local Skiathos Legend of Agios Georgios - Church of St. George
If you take a one kilometre stroll along the New Port of Skiathos towards the old shipyard - you will come upon the lovely small church of Agios Georgios - in English, St. George. Built in 1871, the small church is set on a beautiful piece of land with stunning sea views.
According to Skiathos island's elders, legend has it that Georgios Kopsidakis had the following dream while sleeping in his field.
In it, Saint George appeared to him, requesting the farmer build him a new church in a better, more peaceful location, away from the constant attacks to which the Bourtzi fortress was subjected. In the dream, Saint George indicated not only the exact location, but also the specific dimensions of the small church he desired.
Since he was merely a poor farmer, George turned to the authorities for help. However, when he told them of his dream, instead of help, he was met with laughter and disbelief.
The following night, when Saint George appeared in his dream again, the farmer told him of how he had been laughed at, and was sadly unable to fulfil his wish, the island authorities would not help him.
Saint George then told him: "Start, and I will help you." Where upon, without wasting any time, George Kopsidakis went to the indicated location. Having paced off the saint's requested dimensions, he began to dig with the help of the nearby shipyard workers.
Much to their surprise, gold coins suddenly appeared in the soil. As promised, Saint George had helped, and the small church we admire today was able to be completed.
St. George - Agios Georgios - is celebrated on April 23.
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Take a stroll behind the Old Port and discover one of Skiathos’ oldest and most charming neighbourhoods named Plakes. Characteristically, the picturesque old houses with balconies seem to drip off their perch on the rocks into the sea.
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