The numerous churches and monasteries of Sifnos are closely
linked to the history, architectural tradition and social
and religious life of the island.
From a historical point of view, the Sifniots took advantage
of the privileges granted to them by the Turkish sultans in terms  of religious freedom.
Thus in 1646 the Archbishopric of Sifnos was founded which,
in addition to Sifnos, included the islands of Amorgos, Anafi,
Astypalaia, Iraklia, los, Mykonos, Serifos, Sikinos and Folegandros.
Subsequently, the Sifniots got into the habit of bequeathing their
property to churches and monasteries and taking charge of various
obligations, such as the celebration of ceremonies (mainly festivals).

Many of the churches and monasteries of Sifnos are classified as historical monuments and are of great religious and architectural interest. Ecclesiastical committees and “fraternities” are responsible for their maintenance, with admirable perseverance and often voluntary work, although some of these buildings are often located in places inaccessible to motorized vehicles.
The number of churches and monasteries that exist in Sifnos testifies to the religious tradition of the inhabitants. Compared to the total area of ​​the island, this number of 237 is the highest in all the Cyclades.

The church takes its name from Saint-Germain, bishop of Auxerre, who passed to Argentan
around 435.
Its construction began in the 15th century and was completed in the 18th century,
resulting in a mixture of architectural styles.
It thus presents to the north a majestic porch which dates from the 15th century,
a Gothic nave and transept and a Renaissance apse.
The lantern tower, integrated into the main building, rises above the transept crossing. 
It is characteristic of large “Norman-style” churches.
The building has been classified as a historic monument in 1886 and 1889.

We visited the Basilica di Santa Caterina di Alessandria in Galatina

Saint Catherine’s Basilica is located in Galatina in the region of Apulia in Italy south.
From Romanesque-Gothic style, it represents one of the most beautiful artistic
jewels of Salento.
It was built between 1384 and 1391 by Count Raimondello Orsini-Del Balzo following his
triumphant return from the Holy Land, from where he brought back a relic of Saint Catherine.
His wife Marie d’Enghien had the walls and vaults completely covered with a sumptuous cycle of frescoes, for which she made call for artists from different regions of Italy,
from the Giottesque and Sienese schools.
The facade is embellished by a very detailed rose window and by a main portal whose archivolts show astonishing animal and plant decoration.
Inside, we will notice the scale of the volumes and the large ribbed vaults.
The fresco cycle consists of approximately 150 scenes.