THE LIGHTHOUSE OF ANDROS

The “Tourlitis” lighthouse of Andros is uniquely situated on a rock off the coast of Chora, the capital of the island, and stands seven metres high. Constructed in 1887, it was first operated in 1897, to serve growing ship traffic to and from Andros, that had evolved into a flourishing maritime centre after the Greek Revolution. It was destroyed by the Nazis during the Axis Occupation, but was rebuilt in 1994 with a donation from Alekos and Marietta Goulandris, becoming Greece’s first automated lighthouse. Standing sentinel at the entrance of the harbour, opposite the Venetian castle, Tourlitis is the most characteristic landmark of Chora, Andros, and a symbol of the island’s rich maritime tradition.