URSULINE CONVENT

The Ursuline convent was founded in Loutra in 1862 and remained in operation until 1991. The school ceased to receive young girls in 1984. The convent, founded by a woman from Istanbul, had its heyday in the first half of the 20th century. Highly reputed for its high academic standards and its emphasis on the arts and physical activity, the school receives wealthy boarders from all over the country and beyond. Thus, girls from the great Italian, French and Istanbul bourgeoisie are sent to study here. The nuns also take in the poorest orphans from Tinos.

At the height of the Ursuline convent, between 1910 and 1930, there were 150 orphans or poor pupils from Tinos, 300 pupils from large families and 60 nuns. All this little world is well organized in a group of buildings that extends around a sumptuous garden. Today, the convent has sold part of its property, notably the large refectory and the schoolgirls' dormitories, which unfortunately can no longer be visited. The Chapel of the Sacred Heart (1876) and the main building are open to visitors. Don't miss the opportunity to wander through the long corridors that used to house the nuns' cells and admire the work done by the Ursulines over the decades. Theatre, weaving, embroidery, music and dance were taught all year round, in addition to botany, anatomy and photography.