Sights

The Venetian Castle of Antiparos (Kastro) is located in the center of Antiparos Town and is probably its most picturesque part of it. It is a typical example of the type of fortified settlements which were built in the Cyclades during the period of Latins, from the 13th to the 16th century. A 15th-century castle, built in 1440 by the Venetian Giovanni Loredan who owned the island and brought inhabitants to it at his own expense. The noble Loredan family of Venice came into possession of the island of Antiparos in the 15th century when Giovanni Loredan married Maria Sommaripa.

Unlike other similar castles in the Cyclades, this castle is a single, independent, residential unit. So, do not expect to see a full-scale castle, this is more of a district within Antiparos Town. In its original form, it included a tower and a residential zone, running along the perimeter. The main tower used to be in the center of the castle, around which houses were built as a continuous construction. The base is what remains today of this tower. The outer walls (3 meters thick) of these houses with their small openings coincided with the defensive walls of this fortified settlement. Access to the houses was only possible through the inner courtyard and there was only one exit to the south, secured by a big Gothic gate that has survived to this day. Later the settlement was expanded both outside its southern wing and inside the castle. Some 24 two-storey houses were built around the central core, and this new quarter was named “Ksopyrgo” (outside the tower).

Years later, the architectural style of the castle was altered with the addition of the Church of Christ and the conversion of the tower into a water tank. Today most of the houses retain features of the past, despite the collapse of their upper floor. For the protection of the fortified settlement, any renovation requires permission from the Greek Archaeological Department. Nowadays, most of the houses are comprised by one or two floors and have basements with trapdoors. The castle area is still inhabited but many of the houses have been converted into shops. Wandering around the tranquil streets and admiring the island architecture is definitely one of the best things to do in Antiparos. Various cultural events are organized by the Municipality of Antiparos in the area, every summer.