Parikia’s ancient history is vivid in everyday life!
Ancient Cemetery
Near Parikia port, dating from the Geometric period (8th century BC) to the Roman period (2nd century AD). Possibly the most significant site of its kind in the world. Most burials are from the second half of the 7th century BC.
The Sanctuary of Asklepios
Just south of Parikia, the foundations of the sanctuaries of Pythian Apollo and Asklepios sit on a hillside. Unfortunately, much of the Pythian’s foundations have been destroyed, and only remnants of the temple can be seen on the upper hillside.
Kastro
In the heart of Parikia old town lies the Frankish Castle, or Kastro, built in 1260 A.D. by the Duke of Naxos using stones from ancient temples and other structures. In the photo above, you see the north east guard wall.
Temple of Athina
The foundation of Athena’s ancient temple forms part of the façade of a post-Byzantine church called Agios Konstantinos, situated in the Kastro. Adjacent to the church lie limestone remains of prehistoric settlements.
Hellenistic House
Behind the Archaeological Museum lie the remains of three Hellenistic housing complexes. Among the remnants of foundations are the most notable: the Hellenistic mosaics, dating from the 3rd century B.C.
Open Air Sanctuary
The Open Air Sanctuary is situated in the Aghios Pantelleimon area, east of the Paros Archaeological Museum. Korai statues, which are displayed in the museum, were discovered here. Additionally, an unfinished Kouros can be seen in the area.
Tris Eklisies (three Churches)
En route from Parikia to Naoussa, you will reach the Tris Ekklisies site, meaning ‘Three Churches’. An early Christian basilica from the 6th–7th century AD was uncovered beneath the remnants of the 17th-century churches, with ancient materials incorporated into its construction.
Ancient Pottery Workshop
Beside the peripheral road stands the ancient pottery workshop with a well-organised layout. Inside the workshop, we will find the remains of six furnaces and two water tanks.
Running figure of Artemis
Running figure of goddess Artemis – 4th century BC. Exhibited at the Paros Archaeological Museum, in Parikia.
The Fat Lady of Saliagos
5000 BC. Small figure from the islet of Saliagos, located between Paros and Antiparos. The oldest marble statuette discovered in the Cyclades, depicting a pregnant woman; the fertility of giving birth was worshipped in those times.
The Parian Chronicle
One of the three plaques depicting 1,300 years of Paros history (from 1583 to 284 BC) in 130 verses. It includes famous persons, weather and geological conditions that affected daily life, social structure of those times, etc.
Tear Vases
Mortuary offerings, probably made of glass and brought from Egypt, were placed in the graves – where friends and relatives of the deceased gathered their tears. Exhibited at the Paros Archaeological Museum, Parikia.
