Naxos Chora & Kastro
Χώρα Νάξου / Κάστρο
A hilltop castle district built by the Venetian Duchy in the 13th century, surrounded by white maze-like lanes, noble mansions and Catholic churches.
Naxos Chora is the island's capital and main port. The old town is divided into the Bourgo, the Greek market quarter below the hill, and the Kastro, the castle district on the summit. In 1207 the Venetian Marco Sanudo founded the Duchy of the Archipelago, made Naxos its capital and built the castle. Today it still preserves gates, towers, the Catholic cathedral, the Ursuline convent and noble mansions bearing family coats of arms. The Della Rocca-Barozzi Venetian Museum lets you tour the interior of a noble residence, and summer nights often bring concerts on the castle walls. The lanes are stepped stone paths, so wear flat shoes.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Archaeological Museum of Naxos
- Portara (Temple of Apollo)
- Agios Georgios Beach
- Sanctuary of Dionysus at Yria
- Agios Prokopios Beach
- Agia Anna Beach
- Plaka Beach
- Kouros of Flerio