Naxos
This morning we sailed from Ios to Naxos arriving mid morning. Before lunch we went on a walking tour of the old town of Chora. Situated over the ancient town of Naxos, this post 13th century town is towered by the Kastro, the administrative and religious center of the Duchy of the Archipelago established by the Venetians after the Fourth Crusade.
After lunch we explored the island by coach. Our visit included a 200-year old olive press, a traditional potter at work and a visit to a distillery where “citron” – the local liquor – is made.
Driving to the interior we sensed how mountainous but also well-terraced the island is. The largest villages in the mountains are Philoti and Apeirantos. The island was always famous for its marble and emery. On the way to the ancient quarry at Melange we passed an impressive moderns quarry looking like a post-modern piece of sculpture.
Our last stop was at the ancient quarry, where a 6th century BC five feet male statue lies in situ. The anonymous ancient sculptor left him unfinished. The “Kouros” as he’s called is surrounded by trees and scrubs and to our delight fall-blooming cyclamen.
This morning we sailed from Ios to Naxos arriving mid morning. Before lunch we went on a walking tour of the old town of Chora. Situated over the ancient town of Naxos, this post 13th century town is towered by the Kastro, the administrative and religious center of the Duchy of the Archipelago established by the Venetians after the Fourth Crusade.
After lunch we explored the island by coach. Our visit included a 200-year old olive press, a traditional potter at work and a visit to a distillery where “citron” – the local liquor – is made.
Driving to the interior we sensed how mountainous but also well-terraced the island is. The largest villages in the mountains are Philoti and Apeirantos. The island was always famous for its marble and emery. On the way to the ancient quarry at Melange we passed an impressive moderns quarry looking like a post-modern piece of sculpture.
Our last stop was at the ancient quarry, where a 6th century BC five feet male statue lies in situ. The anonymous ancient sculptor left him unfinished. The “Kouros” as he’s called is surrounded by trees and scrubs and to our delight fall-blooming cyclamen.
