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| HISTORY
Inhabited since prehistoric times, Paros flourished particularly during the early Cycladic era (3200-2100 BC), though it seems subsequently to have been deserted until the Mycenaean period. The island attracted Minoan, Arkadian, Achaian settlers and around 1000 BC Ionians. |
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| From the 8th century till the start of the Persian Wars, Paros experienced great prosperity thanks to its marble quarries. |
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During the 6th and 5th centuries it was home to a school of sculpture and arts and letters were especially cultivated. Later governed by Macedonians and Romans, Paros was insignificant during the Byzantine era and was occupied by the Venetians in 1207, falling to the Turks in the 16th century. From 1770 to 1774 it was headquarters for the Russian fleet commanded by Orloff and took an active part in the fight for independence. |
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| SIGHTSEEING
The capital, occupying the site of the ancient city, lies on the west coast of the island. At its highest point, the former acropolis, are the ruins of a castle constructed with material from the temple to Demeter. Several Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches are scattered unobtrusively throughout the town; the most important is the impressive 4th century Panayia Katapoliani. |
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Of the finds exhibited in the archaeological museum, the Parian Chronicle, a history of the island from the 16th century to 263 BC, stands out. Ancient sanctuaries have been discovered at Dilion (to Apollo) and on Kounado hill (to Aphrodite and Eileithyia). More Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches abound in the island's picturesque villages, while monasteries with valuable icons and wall paintings are scattered throughout the countryside (Thapsani and Agios Antonios monasteries, etc.). |
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| Naoussa with its white-washed houses and modern tourist facilities is one of Paros's most charming districts. On the east coast, Marpissa with its Venetian castle and the area of Psytopiani are worth a visit. Caiques to Antiparos, the largest of the neighboring islands (area 35 sq. km., pop. 635), leave from Pounta on the west coast. Antiparos was first settled in the Neolithic era. |
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The town is built around a Venetian castle. Its famous cave, richly ornamented with stalagmites, and the church of St. John the Cave Dweller are located on the west coast. Both islands are surround by marvelous beaches. Paros is fully equipped to serve tourists and combines quiet holidays and cosmopolitan surroundings. |
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