ANTIPAROS TRAVEL GUIDE

ANTIPAROS > ARCHAEOLOGY

ARCHAEOLOGY

Archaeological place of Despotiko

Holy Despotic is a highly important archaeological site with a long history dating from the 7th century B.C. up to Roman years. The temple was used for worship from the seventh century B.C. through Roman times. The site of Despotiko has been identified as ancient Perpesinthos.

The archaeologist Christos Tountas began the first excavations in the Despotic in the 19th century where he managed to discover Cycladic cemeteries. Afterwards other excavations followed led by the archaelogist N. Zafeiropoylo,that brought to light traces of a Dorian temple. The excavation research held by the archaeologist Gianno Kouragio revealed elements of auxiliary holy places. The statue of a feminine deity found in the region is remarkable.

Kastro

The Castle is close to Antiparos’ square. It was built in 1440, when the island was under the control of Maria Sommaripa and her husband Lorentano, in order to protect residents from pirate invasions.

It is of gothic style and it is an organized complex of buildings with an interesting medieval settlement in the Cyclades islands. In the centre of this square complex was the Tower, from which only the base has been saved. Around it residences were built. Amongst them there were three small churches.

Walking around the settlement can be very romantic and touching. Yesterday lives harmonically with today and together they face sunrises and sunsets without fearing the time that passes by.