Exomvourgo: Tinos's Towering Sentinel

Rising dramatically from the heart of Tinos, Exomvourgo is more than just a mountain; it's a landmark steeped in history and legend. Its rugged peak, reaching approximately 640 meters, has been a strategic location since prehistoric times. The name Exomvourgo, also seen as Xombourgo, derives from the Venetian term 'Sobborgo,' meaning 'near the castle'. In ancient times, Exomvourgo was the site of Tinos's acropolis and administrative center, with archeological evidence tracing back to the Bronze Age. The mountain's strategic importance grew during the Byzantine era when a fortress was erected to protect the inhabitants from pirate raids. This fortress was later fortified by the Venetians, who ruled the island from 1390 and named it Castello di Santa Elena. The castle became a key defense against the Ottomans, featuring impressive ramparts, towers and enough space to house thousands of people. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of this once-mighty fortress and the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, built by Jesuit monks after the castle's destruction in 1715. The mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tinos and the surrounding Cycladic islands, rewarding hikers with vistas stretching as far as Naxos, Serifos and Kythnos. Exomvourgo is also a popular destination for rock climbers, with various climbing routes available for both beginners and advanced climbers.