Agios Georgios is the protector of the island. It is said that the silver icon that depicts him on a horse arrived on the island from the sea. The church of Agios Georgios was built in 960 A.C by Nikiforos Fokas, on the hill of the Castle with which they share the same entrance, the “Iron gate”.
Since 1447, the church belongs to the Monastery of Megisti Lavra in Agio Oros, together with a huge (1/5 of Skyros) property consisting of the island’s finest pieces of land that were given as a gift by Nikiforos Fokas to Megisti Lavra for his win against the Arabs in 958.
According to the marble tablet on the bell tower, the church dates back to 1600. In 1984 repairs took place on damages caused by earthquakes. The visitor can reach the church on foot by going up the Town of Skyros where he can enjoy the breathtaking view of the island and the Aegean. There is a small yard with terraces and balconies. Thanks to their huge tradition in woodcarving, the residents managed to decorate the temple with wooden furniture and also carved the main wall. One of the icons depicts Agios Georgios with a black face. It is very unique and was brought to the island from Istanbul in order to protect it from the battles. Among the religious vows there is the medal of the first Greek Olympic Winner, Spyros Louis, that that promised to donate it to Agios Georgios for his help.