Discover Paros: Churches and History in Parikia

Paros is a place where the architectural and local history can be explored particularly concretely in Parikia. Churches, the Kastro, archaeological evidence and the harbour setting offer different ways to discover the history of the town. If you enjoy looking more closely, dates, architectural styles and historical finds provide tangible starting points.

Around the Kastro: churches and reused architectural elements

On a walk around the Kastro of Parikia, you will come across several small churches: Panagia of Stavros, Agia Anna, Agios Markos, Agios Stylianos and Agios Konstantinos. Many of these churches are built into the walls of the Kastro. Panagia of Stavros is dated to 1514; Agios Konstantinos has a covered courtyard. The ruins of a Venetian castle, built from columns of ancient temples and other architectural elements, are also located on the Kastro. The small religious buildings therefore stand alongside the reused elements of the castle. For families who enjoy discovering history together, the names, the date and the different architectural styles offer specific topics for conversation.

Ekatontapiliani and the museums of Parikia

Panagia Ekatontapiliani is in the northeastern part of Parikia, just a few steps from the harbour. This Early Christian cross-shaped basilica is considered one of Greece’s most important Early Christian monuments. In the southern part of the church is a baptistery dating from the 4th century, considered the oldest and best-preserved baptistery in the Orthodox East. The Byzantine Museum of Parikia is also located in the temple complex. Its collections include rare icons, wood carvings and other religious relics from the Byzantine era and the period of Ottoman rule.

Opposite the harbour stands the Church of Agios Nikolaos, which is protected as a religious monument. The Archaeological Museum of Paros was established in 1960 in a room next to Parikia High School. The ancient cemetery of Parikia also offers its own window into the past: its most significant find was a Polyandreion, a communal tomb from the Late Geometric period of the 8th century BC. It is considered the only one of its kind in the Aegean. A large gravestone stands in front of the Polyandreion.

Other cultural highlights on Paros

Other parts of Paros also offer inspiration for a range of interests. The Alyki Cultural Festival takes place every year in June, lasts three days and includes events in Alyki. The Paros Environmental and Cultural Park has a seven-kilometre network of walking trails and a 700-seat amphitheatre for concerts and performances. Since 2009, the Environmental and Cultural Park of the Municipality of Paros has hosted the “Festival at the Park” there, a summer programme of cultural, sporting and environmental events.

For art enthusiasts, the Sculpture Museum of sculptor and engraver N. Peratinos in Marpissa displays 192 of his works. The B. Skiadas Museum of Cycladic Folklore presents the history and traditions of Paros and the Aegean. In Naoussa, the Folklore Museum displays the collection of Dr Othon Kaparis; it also has a library, an extensive photographic archive and a number of archaeological finds. These attractions offer a different focus from the churches and archaeological evidence in Parikia.

Surroundings and guidance for finding accommodation

Livadia is a long sandy beach nearby and is relevant to visitors staying in Parikia and the surrounding area. Parikia’s KTEL bus station is next to the harbour; check the latest bus information before travelling. When choosing a holiday apartment on Paros, consider whether your stay will focus mainly on the historic sites in Parikia or also on walking trails, events and museums elsewhere.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Santa Maria, Molos, Aliki, Lefkes, Sarakiniko, Páros, Andiparos, Drios.

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