Ταξιδιωτικός Οδηγός του/της Ελενα
Αξιοθέατα
The Ancient Sanctuary of Apollo and Demeter at Gyroulas, Sagri
On a mound hulking over the beginnings of a fertile valley in the Gyroulas district, south of the village of Sagrion Naxos, the inhabitants of the area began worshipping (outdoors) the deities of nature in the 8th century BC.
A monumental, all-marble temple was constructed at the spot in the late 6th century. According to a number of indications, the sanctuary was dedicated to the deities of Apollo, Demeter and Kore, with an emphasis on their earthen characteristics.
Sagkriou
SagkriouThe Ancient Sanctuary of Apollo and Demeter at Gyroulas, Sagri
On a mound hulking over the beginnings of a fertile valley in the Gyroulas district, south of the village of Sagrion Naxos, the inhabitants of the area began worshipping (outdoors) the deities of nature in the 8th century BC.
A monumental, all-marble temple was constructed at the spot in the late 6th century. According to a number of indications, the sanctuary was dedicated to the deities of Apollo, Demeter and Kore, with an emphasis on their earthen characteristics.
The Εggares Olive Press Museum in the village of Eggares, is a newly-renovated museum and shop. Housed in a former olive press, it features original tools and equipment dating back to the late 1800s.
The contemporary-designed museum space includes a small shop with a variety of products and souvenirsmade with olive oil such as olives, olive oil, marmalade, bath and body products.
The outdoor cafe is a charming place to enjoy a light snack.
In 2016, the Eggares Olive Press Museum was listed among the Top 10 museums in Greece according to 2015 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice.
Audiovisual material on the production process is also available. Free entrance, free tours and free tasting.
17 yerel halk öneriyor
Eggares Olive Press Museum
The Εggares Olive Press Museum in the village of Eggares, is a newly-renovated museum and shop. Housed in a former olive press, it features original tools and equipment dating back to the late 1800s.
The contemporary-designed museum space includes a small shop with a variety of products and souvenirsmade with olive oil such as olives, olive oil, marmalade, bath and body products.
The outdoor cafe is a charming place to enjoy a light snack.
In 2016, the Eggares Olive Press Museum was listed among the Top 10 museums in Greece according to 2015 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice.
Audiovisual material on the production process is also available. Free entrance, free tours and free tasting.
The Castle (Kastro) had three gates, two of which still exist today: Paraporti, its southern gate and main entrance for visitors; the northern entrance, or renowned Trani Porta; and a southeastern gate, Piso Paraporti, which has not been saved. Passing through the surviving gates, the visitor enters another world of tranquility, narrow alleys, courtyards adorned with flowers, and old mansions with coats of arms on their lintels.
Take note: When passing through the main wooden door Trani Porta that enters the Kastro (and the area within the walls of the castle) take note of the vertical incision on a marble pilaster this was a Venetian measure of length for the fabrics which traders sold to the aristocracy that entered and visited the castle.
Here is a quick guide to this unique little Cycladic city with influences of architecture and history covering centuries on end …
Entering the citadel via Trani Porta, you see the Della Rocca Barozzi Tower on the right. It is one of the oldest mansions in the Kastro vicinity and houses the Venetian and Folk History Museum, featuring the old furniture of the mansion and heirlooms of the era. The museum periodically also hosts painting and sculpture exhibitions.
Next to the Venetian Museum is the Tower of Crispi – the only one surviving of Kastro’s twelve towers that are believed to have originally stood to protect it. According to local legend, the tower served as the palace of the dynasty of the same name.
On the way to Kastro’s central square you see the Catholic Cathedral, a medieval building with marble floor and memorial stones depicting the family crests of some of the most prominent Catholic families that lived on the island in the last five centuries. You will note the distinct Byzantine, double-sided icon of Virgin Mary in an upright position. The other side depicts Saint John the Baptist.
Directly behind the Catholic Cathedral and next to the Catholic Episcopal Palace is the Orthodox Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Theoskepasti. This may well be the oldest of the citadel’s surviving monuments.
The Capuchin monastery is located east of Theoskepasti church, close to Kastro’s Piso Paraporti gate. It comprises a church, dedicated to San Antonio di Padua, and the main building. The church is single-aisled with impressive icons, while its marble flooring is decorated with the coats of arms of nobles such as the Coronelli-Castri and Lorentani-Crispo families.
The uphill street leads to the Naxos Archaeological Museum – one of undoubtedly special interest, with exhibits spanning thousands of years. It is housed in an old, five-storey mansion – the old School of Commerce, which author Nikos Kazantzakis attended for a year in his teens. Its exhibits include finds from Naxos and the neighboring islands of Keros, Donoussa and Koufonissia dating from the late Neolithic Age (4th millennium) to the early Christian era (6th century). Besides excellent specimens of Proto- Cycladic marble idols, which rival those in the Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Next to the School of Commerce is the Capella Kazatza church, built in the 13th century or, according to other scholars, in the 14th century. The School of Commerce is certain to have been established thanks to Capella’s strong financial standing – further bolstered as a result of donations made by worshippers from the 17th century onwards.
Opposite the Archaeological Museum is the Ursuline School and Monastery. The school began operating normally in 1739 but efforts to establish a girl school were first made a century earlier, by Frenchman Robert Saulger, the Jesuit superior and historian of Naxos. The property was purchased by the Greek state in 1986 and has since served as a cultural institution.
91 yerel halk öneriyor
Castle (Kastro) of Naxos
The Castle (Kastro) had three gates, two of which still exist today: Paraporti, its southern gate and main entrance for visitors; the northern entrance, or renowned Trani Porta; and a southeastern gate, Piso Paraporti, which has not been saved. Passing through the surviving gates, the visitor enters another world of tranquility, narrow alleys, courtyards adorned with flowers, and old mansions with coats of arms on their lintels.
Take note: When passing through the main wooden door Trani Porta that enters the Kastro (and the area within the walls of the castle) take note of the vertical incision on a marble pilaster this was a Venetian measure of length for the fabrics which traders sold to the aristocracy that entered and visited the castle.
Here is a quick guide to this unique little Cycladic city with influences of architecture and history covering centuries on end …
Entering the citadel via Trani Porta, you see the Della Rocca Barozzi Tower on the right. It is one of the oldest mansions in the Kastro vicinity and houses the Venetian and Folk History Museum, featuring the old furniture of the mansion and heirlooms of the era. The museum periodically also hosts painting and sculpture exhibitions.
Next to the Venetian Museum is the Tower of Crispi – the only one surviving of Kastro’s twelve towers that are believed to have originally stood to protect it. According to local legend, the tower served as the palace of the dynasty of the same name.
On the way to Kastro’s central square you see the Catholic Cathedral, a medieval building with marble floor and memorial stones depicting the family crests of some of the most prominent Catholic families that lived on the island in the last five centuries. You will note the distinct Byzantine, double-sided icon of Virgin Mary in an upright position. The other side depicts Saint John the Baptist.
Directly behind the Catholic Cathedral and next to the Catholic Episcopal Palace is the Orthodox Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Theoskepasti. This may well be the oldest of the citadel’s surviving monuments.
The Capuchin monastery is located east of Theoskepasti church, close to Kastro’s Piso Paraporti gate. It comprises a church, dedicated to San Antonio di Padua, and the main building. The church is single-aisled with impressive icons, while its marble flooring is decorated with the coats of arms of nobles such as the Coronelli-Castri and Lorentani-Crispo families.
The uphill street leads to the Naxos Archaeological Museum – one of undoubtedly special interest, with exhibits spanning thousands of years. It is housed in an old, five-storey mansion – the old School of Commerce, which author Nikos Kazantzakis attended for a year in his teens. Its exhibits include finds from Naxos and the neighboring islands of Keros, Donoussa and Koufonissia dating from the late Neolithic Age (4th millennium) to the early Christian era (6th century). Besides excellent specimens of Proto- Cycladic marble idols, which rival those in the Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Next to the School of Commerce is the Capella Kazatza church, built in the 13th century or, according to other scholars, in the 14th century. The School of Commerce is certain to have been established thanks to Capella’s strong financial standing – further bolstered as a result of donations made by worshippers from the 17th century onwards.
Opposite the Archaeological Museum is the Ursuline School and Monastery. The school began operating normally in 1739 but efforts to establish a girl school were first made a century earlier, by Frenchman Robert Saulger, the Jesuit superior and historian of Naxos. The property was purchased by the Greek state in 1986 and has since served as a cultural institution.
This is undoubtedly a museum of special interest, with exhibits whispering stories going back thousands of years.
It is housed in an old, five-storey mansion –the old School of Commerce- in Chora’s medieval citadel (Kastro) and displays finds from Naxos and the neighboring islands of Keros, Donoussa and Koufonissia dating from the late Neolithic Age (4th millennium) to the early Christian era (6th century).
Besides excellent specimens of Proto-Cycladic marble idols that rival those in the Archaeological Museumof Athens, the Naxos collections also include important ceramic finds belonging to the late Mycenean era, funerary offerings made of gold, silver and copper, glass objects of the Roman period, parts of statues and sarcophagi, as well as bronze weapons and tools.
An impressive mosaic floor depicting a half-naked woman riding a sea monster is exhibited on the ambient roof of the posterior part of the building.
The Naxos Historical Archive is housed in a separate part of the mansion.
Tuesday to Sunday 08:30 – 15:00
Chora tel.22850 22725
Archaeological Museum
Unnamed RoadThis is undoubtedly a museum of special interest, with exhibits whispering stories going back thousands of years.
It is housed in an old, five-storey mansion –the old School of Commerce- in Chora’s medieval citadel (Kastro) and displays finds from Naxos and the neighboring islands of Keros, Donoussa and Koufonissia dating from the late Neolithic Age (4th millennium) to the early Christian era (6th century).
Besides excellent specimens of Proto-Cycladic marble idols that rival those in the Archaeological Museumof Athens, the Naxos collections also include important ceramic finds belonging to the late Mycenean era, funerary offerings made of gold, silver and copper, glass objects of the Roman period, parts of statues and sarcophagi, as well as bronze weapons and tools.
An impressive mosaic floor depicting a half-naked woman riding a sea monster is exhibited on the ambient roof of the posterior part of the building.
The Naxos Historical Archive is housed in a separate part of the mansion.
Tuesday to Sunday 08:30 – 15:00
Chora tel.22850 22725
Apiranthos Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum of Apiranthos on Naxos, set up in 1966, displays a wide array of samples of the area’s flora and fauna.
It is divided into two sections, one focused on the sea, the other on the land.
It includes an aquarium, an exceptional collection of shells, dolphin skeletons, whale bones, as well as an impressively large flora collection –the result of extensive research at the water basin of Perachoritis torrent.
The museum has also developed important educational activities, organizing and hosting conferences and events with themes focused on flora, fauna and ecology.
June & August 10:30-19:30(June) / 10:30 – 21:00(August)
tel.22850 61725 2,50 €
115 yerel halk öneriyor
Apeíranthos
897 Eparchiaki Odos Apiranthou-Ormou ApollonaApiranthos Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum of Apiranthos on Naxos, set up in 1966, displays a wide array of samples of the area’s flora and fauna.
It is divided into two sections, one focused on the sea, the other on the land.
It includes an aquarium, an exceptional collection of shells, dolphin skeletons, whale bones, as well as an impressively large flora collection –the result of extensive research at the water basin of Perachoritis torrent.
The museum has also developed important educational activities, organizing and hosting conferences and events with themes focused on flora, fauna and ecology.
June & August 10:30-19:30(June) / 10:30 – 21:00(August)
tel.22850 61725 2,50 €
Panagia Myrtidiotissa Church
Panagia (Virgin Mary) Myrtidiotissa, a whitewashed chapel on a islet in the middle of Naxos harbor, stands as the island’s first picturesque sight that greets visitors. According to historical sources, this islet served as a place to worship the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon during ancient times.
Today, it is a church that may be visited, offering unique views of Portara and Naxos’s main town, Chora.
The chapel, from which the islet takes its name, is dedicated to Virgin Mary. It is honored annually, every September 24, with a ceremony worth considering if on Naxos at the time. Access to the islet is only by boat from the harbor.
Throughout the year Naxos port
For Free
29 yerel halk öneriyor
Chora
Panagia Myrtidiotissa Church
Panagia (Virgin Mary) Myrtidiotissa, a whitewashed chapel on a islet in the middle of Naxos harbor, stands as the island’s first picturesque sight that greets visitors. According to historical sources, this islet served as a place to worship the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon during ancient times.
Today, it is a church that may be visited, offering unique views of Portara and Naxos’s main town, Chora.
The chapel, from which the islet takes its name, is dedicated to Virgin Mary. It is honored annually, every September 24, with a ceremony worth considering if on Naxos at the time. Access to the islet is only by boat from the harbor.
Throughout the year Naxos port
For Free
Near the coastal settlement of Apollonas on Naxos is one of the two ancient marble quarries of Naxos, where sculpture, the greatest art of antiquity started.
Hundreds of half-finished statues and blocks of marble would be slided down on ramps from here to the pier of the ancient port of Apollonas for further transportation to the island of Delos and various other places.
The colossal but unfinished 11-meter statue (Kouros) of Dionysus, as well as many remnants of other unfinished statues, parts of architectural structures, marks from chisels and carved surfaces can be seen today all over the hill and slopes of the ancient quarry.
The half-finished, colossal statue of Kouros of Apollo and numerous remains of marble works and other half-finished Kouroi are still seen at the quarry today, along with abundant traces and evidence of the quarrying process throughout the hill.
The ancient sculptors used to dispose of useless debris –mainly gravel- by throwing it down the slopes above the sea. The locals contend today that this discarded marble still covers the coastal slopes and has been used to built the terraces.
The top of the hill above the quarry –named Grammata- features an inscription that reads “ΟΡΟΣ ΙΕΡΟΝ ΧΩΡΙΟΥ ΑΠΟΛΛΩΝΟΣ” (“Holy Mountain of Apollo”). It dates to the 5th-4thcentury BC and probably belongs to a sanctuary of the god that existed there.
Directions for access
The Kouros of Apollonas site lies quite close to the settlement of Apollonas and there is a connecting pathway.
73 yerel halk öneriyor
Apollonas Kouros
Near the coastal settlement of Apollonas on Naxos is one of the two ancient marble quarries of Naxos, where sculpture, the greatest art of antiquity started.
Hundreds of half-finished statues and blocks of marble would be slided down on ramps from here to the pier of the ancient port of Apollonas for further transportation to the island of Delos and various other places.
The colossal but unfinished 11-meter statue (Kouros) of Dionysus, as well as many remnants of other unfinished statues, parts of architectural structures, marks from chisels and carved surfaces can be seen today all over the hill and slopes of the ancient quarry.
The half-finished, colossal statue of Kouros of Apollo and numerous remains of marble works and other half-finished Kouroi are still seen at the quarry today, along with abundant traces and evidence of the quarrying process throughout the hill.
The ancient sculptors used to dispose of useless debris –mainly gravel- by throwing it down the slopes above the sea. The locals contend today that this discarded marble still covers the coastal slopes and has been used to built the terraces.
The top of the hill above the quarry –named Grammata- features an inscription that reads “ΟΡΟΣ ΙΕΡΟΝ ΧΩΡΙΟΥ ΑΠΟΛΛΩΝΟΣ” (“Holy Mountain of Apollo”). It dates to the 5th-4thcentury BC and probably belongs to a sanctuary of the god that existed there.
Directions for access
The Kouros of Apollonas site lies quite close to the settlement of Apollonas and there is a connecting pathway.
One of Naxos’s two main marble quarrying areas in antiquity is located in the greater Flerio area (the other is in the area of Apollonas).
The locale is replete with remnants of quarrying activity (wedge-slots, rectangular wedge holes, series of small circular holes made with chisel, abounding marble rubble) but the main attraction is the two oversized but incomplete freestanding stone figures of unclothed young men (Kouroi), dating to the early 6th century BC.
In antiquity works of such size would initially undergo rough processing at the quarry –to prevent damage of the finished surface during transportation- and be completed at their destination.
In both cases of the Kouroi of Naxos accidents evidently occurred during their transportation from the slopes of the quarry down to the stream because limbs of the statues were broken (the legs of the Kouros at Faraggi and the right foot of the Kouros at Flerio), causing them to be abandoned.
The failed projects paint a vivid picture of the difficulties and duress suffered by the quarriers of the day, who sought consolation and spiritual support in Otus and Ephialtes –the giant twin deities worshiped at the nearby sanctuary of Flerio springs.
24h Faraggi, Flerio
tel. 22850 62229,
22850 22725
22850 22725
Access is free of charge
76 yerel halk öneriyor
Kouros at Melanes
One of Naxos’s two main marble quarrying areas in antiquity is located in the greater Flerio area (the other is in the area of Apollonas).
The locale is replete with remnants of quarrying activity (wedge-slots, rectangular wedge holes, series of small circular holes made with chisel, abounding marble rubble) but the main attraction is the two oversized but incomplete freestanding stone figures of unclothed young men (Kouroi), dating to the early 6th century BC.
In antiquity works of such size would initially undergo rough processing at the quarry –to prevent damage of the finished surface during transportation- and be completed at their destination.
In both cases of the Kouroi of Naxos accidents evidently occurred during their transportation from the slopes of the quarry down to the stream because limbs of the statues were broken (the legs of the Kouros at Faraggi and the right foot of the Kouros at Flerio), causing them to be abandoned.
The failed projects paint a vivid picture of the difficulties and duress suffered by the quarriers of the day, who sought consolation and spiritual support in Otus and Ephialtes –the giant twin deities worshiped at the nearby sanctuary of Flerio springs.
24h Faraggi, Flerio
tel. 22850 62229,
22850 22725
22850 22725
Access is free of charge
Naxos’ Temple of Apollo – Portara, a huge marble gate and the single remaining part of an unfinished temple of Apollo of 530 BC, is the island’s emblem and main landmark.
Standing on the islet of Palatia, at the entrance to Naxos harbor, it comprises four marble parts weighing about 20 tons each.
Its construction was initiated by the tyrant Lygdamis in the 6th century BC, according to the specifications of the temples of Olympic Zeus in Athens and of the goddess Hera on Samos.
It measured 59m in length and 28m in width, and its entrance was on the western side of Naxos –an unusual feature for an Ionian-style temple.
The monumental gate seen today, which led from the vestibule to the main part of the temple, lies amidst traces of its foundations and those of a peripheral colonnade that was never completed.
An arched Christian church was built on the ruins in the 6th or 7th century.
The islet of Palatia has been associated with the worship of Ariadne — a Cretan princess — and Dionysus, the god of wine and merriment.
Because, according to mythology, Dionysus abducted the princess at the beachside of Palatia, the islet is considered the place where Dionysian festivities were first held.
Naxos’ Temple of Apollo – Portara today is connected with the Naxos mainland via a paved footpath.
The spot offers one of the most enchanting sunsets in Greece.
202 yerel halk öneriyor
Apollon Tapınağı - Portara
Naxos’ Temple of Apollo – Portara, a huge marble gate and the single remaining part of an unfinished temple of Apollo of 530 BC, is the island’s emblem and main landmark.
Standing on the islet of Palatia, at the entrance to Naxos harbor, it comprises four marble parts weighing about 20 tons each.
Its construction was initiated by the tyrant Lygdamis in the 6th century BC, according to the specifications of the temples of Olympic Zeus in Athens and of the goddess Hera on Samos.
It measured 59m in length and 28m in width, and its entrance was on the western side of Naxos –an unusual feature for an Ionian-style temple.
The monumental gate seen today, which led from the vestibule to the main part of the temple, lies amidst traces of its foundations and those of a peripheral colonnade that was never completed.
An arched Christian church was built on the ruins in the 6th or 7th century.
The islet of Palatia has been associated with the worship of Ariadne — a Cretan princess — and Dionysus, the god of wine and merriment.
Because, according to mythology, Dionysus abducted the princess at the beachside of Palatia, the islet is considered the place where Dionysian festivities were first held.
Naxos’ Temple of Apollo – Portara today is connected with the Naxos mainland via a paved footpath.
The spot offers one of the most enchanting sunsets in Greece.
Φαγητό
Great food, great view all day long! Due to the altitude it is quite chilly even during hot summer days. Location easy to find, can’t miss it!
45 yerel halk öneriyor
Rotonda - Cafe Bar Restaurant in Naxos
Great food, great view all day long! Due to the altitude it is quite chilly even during hot summer days. Location easy to find, can’t miss it!
Restaurant & Beach Bar
Great location (by the sea), great food and cocktails!
19 yerel halk öneriyor
Santana Beach Club&Restaurant
Great location (by the sea), great food and cocktails!