Sagri

The picturesque village of Sangri is built on a fertile plateau, 11 kilometers southeast of Chora, the capital of Naxos. It is divided into three districts, Ano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Sangri and Kanakari. Ano Sagri is located on a hillside, offering amazing views of the island. In Ano Sagri, is situated the famous monastery of Agios Eleftherios, which served as a secret school in the years of the Ottoman rule. Today the monastery houses the folklore museum. A bit further is the Monastery of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross), from which the village took its name (SaintCroix - French for Holy Cross). The Monastery of the 17th century, also known as the Bazaios Tower, hosts every summer since 2001 the Naxos Festival with thematic exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances and cultural events.

Sangri is also known for its beautiful architecture, the picturesque windmills and the large number of Byzantine churches and monasteries spread around the village. Highlights include the archaeological site of the Temple of Demeter in the area of Gyroulas, the most important archaeological site of the island. The temple which is situated in the middle of the valley about 1.5 km south of Ano Sangri, was built entirely of white marble between 530-520 BC. It was dedicated to the goddess Demeter and served as a temple until the 6th century when it was turned into a Christian church. Part of the temple has been restored and next to it, a museum has been built that houses the findings of the area. The village is also famous for its Venetian towers, two of which in ruins are in the listed and protected settlement of Kato Sagri. Palaiologos Tower of the 17th century in Sagri Valley along with the chapel of Virgin of the Tower next to it are also worth a visit.

Wandering in the whitewashed alleys of the village you will find traditional cafes, tavernas with quality homemade food and shops with fine local products. Sagri hosts annual traditional feasts on August 15, the Assumption of the Virgin Day; July 1, Agii Anaragyri Day and on November 8, the celebration of Taxiarchon. The popular beaches of Mikri Vigla, Orkos, Kastraki and Glyfada are also located within a short distance.