Antiparos Fortifications
Norsk utgave (Norwegian edition)
The first town to be constructed on Antiparos still exists. It was built as a Venetian fortification, although it is difficult to see this today. However, the fortified walls still exist and are in use as dwellings. The town was placed some distance from the sea, about half way across the islands at its narrowest part, at the north end. This meant one had an equal distance to walk to the sea whether one chose to go east or west. The only entrance to the "courtyard" is from the south, like it has always been. The easiest way to describe where to find the entrance is to find the big tree in what as known as the "main square". Under and around this tree, there are tables and chairs, and the place is teeming with life in the evening and most of the night. This is also where the biggest church on Antiparos is. If you stand with your back against the church door, the entrance to the fortification courtyard will be through the arch to your right.
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These kind of fortifications were quite common in the 15th cent. There are better preserved examples on Kimolos and Folegandros. The method of construction is really quite simple. The houses were built close together, forming a square, in such a way that the houses themselves became the protective fortifications. The houses were 3 stories high, without windows and doors on the outside walls, only some small openings. The houses themselves are still standing and are in use, although most have now got doors and windows in the outer walls. Some have even become shops and taverns. If you go into the courtyard, you will see the remnants of a building in the centre. There is some uncertainty about what this has been, but it is believed to have been either a kind of fortification within the fortifications, or perhaps the residence of the chief of the area.
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As you can see from the drawing, there are many staircases on the inside. Most of them remain today. On the whole, the fortifications look like this still, except from a couple of churches which have been built more recently. A big water tank has also been built on top of what was once in the centre of courtyard.
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| One of the churches, taken from the water tank. |
Walking around inside the courtyard is a peaceful experience. Even though Antiparos must be said to be a quiet island, it still has its fair share of noise and activity. But in here there is peace and quiet. You seldom meet other people, only a few cats. A good place for cat lovers! Many of the pictures on the cat page were taken here.
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| These are the remains of the building which once was in the middle of the fortifications. The water tank is visible on the top. |
There is especially one house we have fallen in love with in here. It is by the bigger of the churches and is the best kept. The house is white with bright blue doors and windows. Round the doors and the windows is painted a bright yellow frame. For this reason we call it "the Swedish house". In front of the house is a wonderful Bougainvillaea in bright red, and on the flag pole flies the Greek flag.
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| "The Swedish house" |
We strongly recommend everyone to take a walk in here. And take your time! We at least, are fascinated by this part of Antiparos town. Here you can find good motifs for your Christmas cards.
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| The family Bergtun Christmas card 1997. (The shades family) + the entrance seen from the main square. |
| Back to Antiparos Village | Further on to Antiparos stalactic cave |
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| © Jan Bergtun, 20. February 1998 | Updated, 02.07.2007 |
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