Paros is an island on Greece located in the Aegean Sea. It is one of the largest groups of the Cyclades. It is situated west of Naxos. The island is formed from a one mountain which is about 2,500 feet high; it does slope down on all sides of the maritime plain. This island is composed of marble and mica schist can be found in some places. The capital is a Paroikia and it is located on a bay on the north west side of the island. It is where the ancient site of the capital of Paros is.
The harbor allows small vessels to pass, but nothing to big because the dangerous rocks that aligns the mouth of the entrance. The houses that surround the island are Italian Style with terraced roofs and have vines on the walls. The homes are surrounded by gardens that include oranges and pomegranates. The homes have a very pleasing to the eye look and each home looks meticulous and clean. Also here on the island are remains of a medieval castle that was built in marble. That gives everything that days of yesteryear feel.
In the main area in the town of Parika is the town’s main church of Ekatontapiliani. It is one of the oldest structures that is dated before the Roman adoption of Christianity. It is one of the sites that cannot be missed. On the north side of the island is another bay called Naoussa or Agoussa, this is a safe harbor. During the ancient times the harbor was open and closed by a chain and a boom. Another harbor is located on the south east side called Drios, this harbor is where the Turkish army fleet used to set up anchor when they passed through the Aegean.
On the island of Pharos is the abandoned monastery of St. Anthony which happens to stand among the ruins of a medieval castle. The castle once belonged to the Venetian family of Venieri and the castle was defending against the Turkish General Barbarossa in 1537.
The main source of the island is Parian marble. This type of marble is white and almost transparent that was the main source of money to the island of Paros. There are many marble quarries located on the northern side of the mountain known as Marpessa. It is located just below the convent of St. Mina. This marble was exported from the 6th century BC and used by the Praxiteles to create some of the great sculptures. Marble is still produced there today and it is still used for sculptures but not a lot of the marble is exported anymore.
If you decide to vacation here, you won’t be sorry. The island may be small but it has many beautiful castle ruins and many historical places, many ancient sites. The many harbors are a can’t miss vacation site. The island is very beautiful and should not be missed.
