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Byzantine era

The Byzantine era was a very important time for the island of Naxos. Numerous churches and several fortresses have been preserved from this time, which we present in around 25 articles.

Agios Pachomios near Tsikalario

Near the village of Tsikalarió lies the chapel of St Pachomios, one of the many small Byzantine churches scattered around the island. It is of interest to us here because it is linked to the history…

Agios Joannis und Agios Georgios near Sifones

Close to the small abandoned village of Sífones between Moní and Stavrós Keramotís lies one of the numerous Byzantine churches of Naxos, a double-naved church dedicated to Saint Joannis and Saint Geo…

The Venetian tower and monastery of Agia

In the mostly uninhabited northwest of Naxos lies hidden in a secluded lush valley a small monastery called Agiá. Nearby on a hill stands a dilapidated Venetian tower. The Venetian tower of Agiá is…

Agios Georgios and Agios Pachomios near Apiranthos

26. September 2010

In the valley south of Apíranthos, close to the hiking trail that leads to Danakós, lie two old Byzantine churches from the 10th century with interesting murals. Agios Georgios, the larger of the tw…

Agia Kyriaki near Apiranthos

A particularly interesting Byzantine monument is the small church of Ágia Kyriakí north of Apiranthos. It dates from the 9th century AD, the time of the iconoclasm. Fortunately, in recent years the b…

Agios Nikolaos at the Troullo near Komiaki

20. November 2009

The small but intersting Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos Troullos is located below the road from Skadhó to Komiakí, the northernmost of the mountain villages of Naxos. Komiakí lies on the edge of…

The Byzantine fortress of Apalirou

10. November 2009

The most important Byzantine fortress of Naxos is located in the southwest of the island between the small village of Sangrí and the bay of Agiassós. The large castle complex occupies the top of the…

The Byzantine fortress on Mount Kalogeros

31. October 2009

Near Apóllonas on the northern tip of Naxos, the remains of a small Byzantine fortress lie on the 350 metre high mount Kalógeros. View of the Kalogeros from the harbour of Apollonas; the fortress li…