ANTIPAROS SIGHTSEEING

The cavern of Antiparos is one of the most important sights of the island. The unique natural architecture of the cave in combination with stalagmites, give an enchanting picture to all visitors. Ancient vessels found in the cave’s interior are absolutely connected with the history of the island. One of the famous lyric poets, named Archilogos Parios, dedicated a sign goddess Artemida, which elements are saved until today. A lot of important historical people visited the cavern, such as the ambassador of France Marquis de Nointel, the French ambassador to Constantinople, who spent Christmas Day 1673 in the cave. Many visitors, from the Marquis de Chambert in 1775 to King Othon (Otto), Greece’s first king, in 1840 carved their name on the walls.

We can see even today names of Macedonian generals, which resorted to the cavern of Antiparos in order to hide and be saved after the conspiracy against Great Alexander. Those who visited the cavern used to leave engraved their name as a seal of their presence. The cavern accepted a lot of destructions during the German possession. The street to the cavern is accessible by car or with the transportation of the island. Before the entry of the cavern we meet the small church of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis.
Despotiko is a small deserted island that surrounds Antiparos. Holy Despotic is a highly important archaeological sight with big history that comes from the 7th century B.C. up to Roman years. Built on one of the tiniest uninhabited and unspoiled islets of the Aegean, Despotiko stands intact. The temple was used for worship from the seventh century B.C. through Roman times. The site of Despotiko has been identified as ancient Perpesinthos.
The archaeologist Christos Tountas began the first excavations in the Despotic at the 19th century where he accomplished to discover Cycladic cemeteries. Afterwards followed other excavations from the archaelogist N. Zafeiropoylo,that brought in the surface traces of a Dorian temple. The big excavation research held by the archaeologist Gianno Kouragio revealed elements of auxiliary holy spaces. The statue of a feminine deity found in the region is remarkable. According to this research, it is speculated that holy was dedicated in the god Apollon and goddess Artemi, because of the big resemblance with the holy findings of Dilos in Paros.
One of the most important buildings of Cyclades is the Venetian Castle located to a traditional settlement of Antiparos. Because of the many pirate’s raids in the island, the residents built the castle for their protection in the beginning of 1440. The tower in the centre of the castle served as the residence of the local archon. Parametrically the castle is covered with walls of the residences.