The most important sights and attractions in Paros. The church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani, the Archaeological Museum, The Frankish Castle, the Ancient Cemetery, Delion, The Valley of the Butterflies, The Venetian Castle of Naoussa.
Panagia Ekatontapiliani is the gem of Paros, also known as the Church of 100 Doors, it is a historic Byzantine church complex and an ancient temple of Artemis located in the town of Paroikia. This complex contains a main temple surrounded by two smaller ones as well a baptistery on the east side with a rare marble cruciform font.
The museum was founded in 1960 in order for it to house antiquities which until then were kept in the cells of the Katapoliani monastery.
During the fourth crusade, crusaders were amazed by the Muslim and Byzantine fortresses they conquered. After settling on conquered lands they would often build new castles that would serve as border inspection posts, administration centers, secure shelters and military bases. In order to build them, they chose spots that offered protection from raiders or opposing armies and in many cases they would incorporate elements from local architecture.
Located on the seafront road just past the port of Parikia, this ancient cemetery is one of the most important sites in the Cyclades. The excavations in 1983 unearthed tombs of different types and ages, ranging from the 8th century BC to the 3rd AD.The large marble tombstones and the various pedestals allow the observer to distinguish the use of this cemetery throughout different periods.
On the top of a hill on the northern side of Parikia lies the Apollon & Artemis sanctuary. It is called Delion because it is facing the sacred island of Delos. The sanctuary was founded in the late 9th century BC and continued to be used until the 5th century BC. During that period on the northern side of the archaic temple another temple was built out of marble, in praise of Artemis, sister of Apollon.
Just a few minutes south of Parikia in the area of Petaloudes we come across the mystical Butterfly Valley. This small but lush environment contrasts with the island’s dry landscape, it offers visitors the sensation of walking into a thick rain forest, the air thickens and the sound of running water is present. This small patch of land has become the breeding grounds for a particular species of butterfly called the Jersey Tiger.
The Venetian Castle in the town of Naoussa in Paros was originally built by the Venetians in the late 13th to early 14th century (the characteristic circular tower was added later on, around 1500). The castle, known in Paros as Casteli, is a defensive fort, built to protect the port and the medieval Naoussa settlement from the pirates.
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