Kastro in Chora on Antiparos

Antiparos second largest attraction Kastro is located by the main square a bit up the main street in Chora. Kastro means fortress, or castle, and is common in Greece, they were used as protection against pirates who used to terrorize most of the Greek islands.

Kastro in Chora on Antiparos.

The entrance to Kastro from the main square in Chora.

Most Kastro were built on a cliff far from the sea, many times in places where you had a clear view in all directions to be able to spot potential invaders. The residential buildings were part of the defence wall itself, usually there was only one entrance, windows and doors facing the inside.

Stora torget i Chora sett från ingången till Kastro.

When the pirate attacks stopped, people moved closer to the sea or built houses outside the kastro. Kastro on Antiparos differs from most other Kastro in the Greek archipelago because it is not high above sea level.

Kastro on Antiparos differs from other Kastro because it is not high above sea level.

Map over Kastro in Chora.

Many Kastro in Greece are today in ruins, the best preserved in the Cyclades can be found on Sifnos, Kimolos, Folegandros and here on Antiparos. The Greek archipelago's grandest Kastro lies above Chora on Astypalea, but it is uninhabited.

Kastro is still inhabited.

Antiparos Kastro is in a well-preserved condition and is still full of life, the beautiful houses are still inhabited by people. From the courtyard, narrow wooden stairs lead to the houses, the outer walls at the back functioned as protection and were part of the defence structure itself. Kastro began to be built in 1440 by the Venetians and the houses form a compact complex of 24 two-storey houses and the architecture is typical Cycladic.

The architecture in Kastro is typical Cycladic.

Kastro is like a village within a village.

Kastro is very photogenic.

There is only one entrance to Kastro, follow the signs at the square and you will find yourself there, at the entrance there is an information board where you can read about history of Kastrot. There is also a small folk museum inside Kastro. In the square outside the Kastrot there are several cafes and bars and it is a nice place to sit and study folk life.

The small folk museum in Kastro.

Agios Nikolaos church in Kastro.

The beautiful bell tower of Agios Nikolaos church.

I try to blend into Kastro's environment.

Do not miss Antiparos other major attraction, which you can read about here »

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