Ancient Cemetery
One of the most important ancient cemeteries of Cyclades. Archaeological evidence shows that it was in use from the 8th century BC till the 3rd century AD. There are walls dividing the cemetery and the ancient town.Back in antiquity, the mortality rate of children was high and most of the burials were made in huge marble vases or in stone structures in some cases. The largest number of graves belongs to the second half of the 7th century B.C. Excavations revealed many amphorae and a 3m high mass grave with a headstone from the archaic times, which probably marked an important an important military event.At the western part of the cemetery, several marble sarcophagi were discovered dating from the post-Roman period and placed over some marble abutments. These sarcophagi were considered characteristic of Paros Island, while similar were also found in Thassos, which was actually a colony of Paros. These sarcophagi are today displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Paros.This ancient cemetery was greatly extended and reached the present Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani. Excavation works were very difficult for the archaeologists who had to encounter a marshy area with deep-rooted plants. They actually had to drain out the water by using high-velocity water-pumps. Excavations on this site started in 1983 when the municipality of Paros ordered to start works for the construction of a cultural center close to the port.
Paros Archaeological Museum
The museum was founded in 1960 and consists of two rooms and an atrium. Entry is only 3€The important exhibits of the museum include:-Marble statue of Gorgon (Museum No. 1285), height 1.35 meters. It is almost entirely preserved. Dating from mid 6th century BC, the statue was the central ornament of a temple and was found in an ancient public building in Parikia.-Two marble relief plates (Museum Nos. 758-759), from the Memorial of Archilochus. Archilochus is depicted on his deathbed on one of the plates, while a lion devours a bull on the other. The relief plates were found embedded into the floor of the atrium of Katapoliani, and date back to the 6th century BC.-Colossal marble statue of Artemis (Museum No. 1251) from Delian of Paros, height with plinth 2.74 meters. It was the worship statue of the temple, of the same type as the Archaic kore with chiton, and dates from 480-490 BC.-Marble statue of Nike (Museum No. 245), height 1.35 meters. The head, arms and wings of the statue are missing. It was found in the Kastro of Parikia, Paros, and dates from 470 BC.-Marble statue of an enthroned goddess (Museum No. 162), height 1.57 meters. The head and arms of the statue are missing. It was found in Agairia, Paros in 1885, by Loewy.-Marble Ionic capital dating from the 6th century BC (Museum No. 733). Crowning of a votive column from the Memorial of Achilochus. It bears an inscription referring to the foundation of the monument by Domikos (4th century BC).-Neolithic figurine of a woman sitting with crossed legs with her hands under her chest (Museum No. 886), height 0.055 meters. Found on Saliagos island.-Marble statue of a kore with chiton (Museum No. 802), height 0.86 meters. It was found at Protoria in Naoussa and dates from the 6th century BC.
Church Panagia Ekatontapiliani
Panagia Ekatontapiliani (literally the church with 100 doors) is a historic Byzantine church complex. The origin of the church's name is obscure, as it does not have one hundred doors, or gates. One theory suggests that it is a corruption of the name "Katapoliani", i.e. "Lower Town church", as it lies by the sea in the lower part of the town of Parikia.The church dates to 326. Its oldest features likely predate the adoption of Christianity as the state religion of the Roman Empire in 391. The church was purportedly founded by the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (ruled 306–337), Saint Helen, during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land when she stopped to worship at a chapel on the island. Later Justinian is credited for initiating construction on the site as well. The site was badly damaged by an earthquake in the 18th century, but gradually restored. The Ekatontapyliani is a renowned Marian pilgrimage church of the Aegean, second only to the famed Megalochare church on nearby Tinos Island.Founded by St. Helene and after her death built into a larger church and monastery by her son, Emperor Constantine. A dome was added in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Many of its construction materials sourced from the marble ruins of even older temples. Legend is, the church has 99 visible doors, and a 100th door will appear when the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul becomes Orthodox again. In reality, the church has nowhere near 99 doors.
Atelier 1935
Greek creators of handmade sandals since 1935. Definitely getting a pair.
Frankish Castle Paroikia
The splendid Frankish Castle is one of the most enduring monuments on the island of Paros. It was built in the 1200s by the Venetian Sanoudos. Scholars believe that the castle was built from the vestiges of an assortment of ancient sanctuaries that were scattered in and around the island of Paros. The Frankish Castle stands out for its splendid architecture. Needless to say, a visit to Paros is incomplete without a visit to this magnificent castle which stands as mute testimony to the rich virile past of Paros.The castle is conspicuous by its intricate stonework and the hundred-footer Hekatompedon that is fabricated into its walls. The elongated tower integrates all the elements of a 4th-century globular edifice, built during the Frankish era. Part of the circular edifice is used as apse of the castle's in-house chapel. The basis of an ancient temple which is believed to date back all the way to 530 BC. Along with the temple ruins, there are also scattered remnants of ancient residences.
Archaic Temple Of Athena
The only extant parts are from the archaic temple of Athena (iero tis Athinas) (6th century BC) on the top of the hill. Beside the temple's foundations research has revealed part of the protocycladic settlement. Strolling inside Kastro we come across tiny churches, a lot of them incorporated in the fortifications, such as Panagia tou Stavrou (Madonna of the Cross), Agia Anna, Agios Markos, Agios Stylianos, and Agios Konstantinos with its stunning architecture, a covered courtyard and a breathtaking view of the sea, one of the most delightful little churches in the Aegean.
Old Town Paros
Cool section of Parikia. Cobbled streets, narrow walk ways with the high walls, and beautiful architecture.
Windmill in port
The traditionally whitewashed windmills characterize the Greek islands and mainly the Cyclades, working as symbols of local architecture. In Paros particularly, such windmills are found all around the island. Some are kept in the traditional form and are not used today, while others have been renovated and work as hotels, cafeterias or art galleries.In the past, these windmills were of vital importance for the locals. Using the power of the wind, which is so strong in the Cyclades, people used to grain the wheat, the most important nutritional element at that time. Most windmills were constructed in the 19th century and fell in disuse after the mid 20th century when technological advancement and quick transport eliminated the need of them. A nice traditional windmill can be seen today at the port of Parikia, the busiest spot of the island.Driving around the island will also bring you in front of many such windmills, particularly in the region of Naoussa, Marpissa, Lefkes, and Alyki, making them a very integral element of local architecture.End the tour here and get ready to board your ferry!
