Sights

The Bazeos Tower stands majestically in the hinterlands of Naxos about 2 km east of Sagri. It was built in its original form as a monastery during the 17th century and testifies like other similar buildings of the same period, the importance that the island of Naxos assumed in the period between the 12th and 18th centuries. During that period several similar towers were built all over Naxos due to the fear of frequent pirate raids that plagued the island. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Naxos, the tower offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Naxos Island.

History

The tower functioned as the monastery of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross) until the first decades of the 19th century when the last monks left and the building was abandoned. In 1834 it became property of the Greek state and for many years was home to families of local potters who lived and worked inside. At the end of the 19th century, the Greek state sold the tower to the Bazeos (Basegio) family. Following the Venetian tradition, the Bazeos family maintained its primary residence in Chora and used the tower as a summer residence and storage area. However, the last descendant recognized the importance and historical value of the tower and restored it with private funds. In 2000 the first phase of the restoration was completed under the supervision of the National Technical University (NTU) architects, Themistocles Bilis and Maria Magnisali. The tower now functions as a cultural hub and stages excellent art in summer exhibitions and the annual Naxos Festival in July and August.

Structure

The Bazeos Tower is a two-storey building encircled by a heavy stone wall enclosing the entire tower complex: the main open courtyard through which access to the tower’s main entrance is achieved, and a large number of buildings of smaller volume, including a storage area and a small chapel on the ground floor, a central hall surrounded by the refectory, kitchens and the monk’s cells on the first floor and a large reception area surrounded by a kitchen, open-air courtyard, and some other rooms on the second floor. Above the door of one of the cells it is possible to spot an inscription bearing the year 1679. From the open-air courtyard on the second floor, you can enjoy great views of the island and of the courtyard on the ground floor.