Kalymnos Sanctuary of Apollo Dalios

Location: Chorio

Located close to the castle town of Chora, the island’s former capital, on the way to Panormos, the Sanctuary of Apollo Dalios is the most significant archaeological site in Kalymnos. In ancient times, the sanctuary was the island’s major religious and political center, comprising a complex of temples dedicated to Apollo and Asclepius, as well as a gymnasium, a bouleuterion, and a theater. The earliest findings date from the beginning of the first millennium BC.

However, in the early Christian era, all these buildings were destroyed, and two basilicas dedicated to Agia Sophia and Christ of Jerusalem were erected on top of the ruins, using architectural members from the ancient buildings as construction material. These churches have been partly preserved, and visitors can still see the nave, which is paved with sizeable blocks of marble, as well as the southern transept, adorned with mosaics depicting scenes from the animal and plant world.

Archaeological research has brought to light a number of inscriptions and sculptures, which are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos.