Sunjet.gif (2233 bytes)Naxos Kastro

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The Old town of Naxos, also referred to as Kastró, is a Venetian fortress, which was built during the 13th century by the ruler of Naxos, Marco Sanudo and his venetian citizens. The fortress is known to have had one interiour and one exteriour wall. What is visable today, are the remains of the interiour wall. In the early days, the fortress had 7 towers, but today only one is left.

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This picture gives a clear view of the fortress wall. As one can see, the fortress is really quite large. The only remaining tower can be seen at the far left, and up close at the picture below.
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Also remaining are some of the original gates that passes through the wall. As the venetians imported Catholisism, they built a Catholic cathedral which is situated near the fortress market. The cathedral was renovated in the 1950's and to this day catholic services are given here, and the island still has a Catholic Bishop.

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One of the original gates.

Inside the fortress, the streets and pathways move in all directions and because of the narrow streets and tall houses it’s often hard to know one’s whereabouts. Fortunately the signposting is good, especially to the archeological museum, which is known as one of the better museums of the Cycladic islands. It’s location is inside a building that was originally built as a school at the biginning of the 1600th century.

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To get through the town wall you must walk through long tunnels, which are also to be found inside the fortress.

 

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Many exciting sights are also to be found inside the fortress. Many of them are not very well maintained, but that only adds charm to the place.

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Back to Naxos Village Further on to The gate of the Naxos temple
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If you have any tips, advice or memories from island strolling, or if there is a question you haven’t found the answer to, use the discussions group.
Thanks to Helle K. F. Olsen, Norway for her translation into English!
© Jan Bergtun, 6. May 2000 Updated, 09.24.2011
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