Two New Cycladic Identity Programs in Sikinos have been completed
The Cycladic Identity Initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art continues to strengthen the cultural heritage of the Cyclades through programs that connect place, memory, and community engagement.
The creation of the digital application “Sikinos Paths” and the program “Recording and highlighting the flora of Sikinos” are the two new initiatives implemented with the support of the Cycladic Identity Initiative.
Paths of Culture in Sikinos: Creation of a navigation and information application
The application “Sikinos Paths”, implemented by the Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET), is a digital tool that allows visitors to explore the island’s historic paths safely, accurately, and with enriched information related to its cultural identity. The trail network of Sikinos includes seven signposted routes with a total length of 56 kilometers, connecting landscapes of exceptional natural beauty with archaeological sites, chapels, and traditional settlements.
The new application, available free of charge for both Android and iOS devices, functions as a navigation assistant for hikers while enhancing their safety through offline mapping and information. At the same time, it offers bilingual content (Greek–English), strengthening Sikinos’ touristic visibility and attracting visitors seeking authentic hiking experiences. To ensure maximum accessibility, the island’s signage network is being updated with modern signposts featuring QR codes that lead directly to the app.
On July 7, we walked part of Rout 4 – from the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi to the small chapel of Panagia Pantochara – experiencing firsthand the landscapes and stories the program seeks to preserve.
Later that day the first official presentation of the app took place at the Sikinos School Events Hall. The event included a live demonstration of the application’s capabilities, as well as an open discussion with the local community on the importance of safeguarding and highlighting Cycladic identity through digital tools.
Recording and Highlighting the Flora of Sikinos
The second program completed on Sikinos is the “Recording and Highlighting the Flora of Sikinos”. The program was implemented by the Sikinos Union and represents an important initiative aimed at the scientific documentation, educational use, and public presentation of the island’s natural wealth.
The program focused on recording endemic and aromatic plants, as well as documenting the flora species found on Sikinos. The process included the creation of a physical herbarium, a collection of dried and documented plant samples. Students of Sikinos will now be able to learn about the island’s flora, gaining valuable knowledge with the hope that they will become future custodians of its natural heritage.
On July 8, the program and the physical herbarium were presented at the Sikinos Primary School. The event began with a visit to the botanical garden featuring planted species of the local flora, offering participants direct contact with the island’s aromatic plants. This was followed by the presentation of the physical herbarium, the result of the systematic documentation of Sikinos’ flora. During the presentation, speakers highlighted the importance of the initiative for the island’s cultural and environmental heritage, while botanists shared their experience from the collection and documentation of the plant samples.
Both programs highlight the importance of connecting digital and natural heritage with active community participation, fostering knowledge, protection, and promotion of Sikinos’ unique cultural identity.
You can read the feature and watch the Euronews video on our programs presentation here.
