Naxos

Naxos is the largest of the Cycladitic islands.  The picture was taken from the old town.  On the right side at the entrance of the harbor the visitor sees Portara.

Portara stands on the islet of Palatia, which is connected to Naxos by a causeway. Portara is the entrance to an unfinished temple that faces directly toward Delos, Apollo's birthplace. 

Statue of Aridane near Portata.  Ariadne the daughter of King Minos fell in love with Theseus and helped him find his way out of the labyrinth after he killed the Minotaur.  The two lovers left together from Crete but Theseus left Ariadne in Naxos.  According to legend Dionysus appeared to Theseus dream saying that he had chosen Ariadne as his wife and demanded that he leaves her on Naxos for him.  It was then that Dionysus made her his wife and they ascended to Mount Olympus.  Ariadne had two sons by Dionysus Thoas and Staphylos and one with Theseus Oinopion.

The beautiful Temple of Demeter at Naxos is in a picturesque valley.  It was constructed of the finest quality of Naxos marble on the 6th century BC.  The Temple was restored in the 90s by German archeologists to its former glory.

Apollonas Kouros is a statue, exceeding 10 meters in height that dates back to 8th century BC.  The sculpture is roughly carved, but the body, head, beard and ears are roughly recognizable.

One most charming places on the island is the Old Town. This Medieval caste and town is situated in walking distance from the harbor and in spite of its proximity to the New Town it has kept its unique character.  The wall and the twisted streets inside that bear no name were built to protect the inhabitants from the pirates of the Mediterranean.  The old town is incredibly picturesque and inviting to a stroll through it with no real destination. 

In the twisted streets

Of the Old Town

Moving upward without resting

In the darkness of the night

Are they paths, are they ways

They are magical pathways

Dance my little princess dance

And let your sweet heart fill with joy

In the aftermath of The Fourth Crusade (1202–1204) when the crusaders conquered and destroyed Constantinople, Naxos became the seat of Marco Sanudo's realm.  He ruled the Cycladitic islands as the Duke of the Aegean Archipelago.  The Venetian rule continued in the islands of the Aegean until 1714.  The Catholic Cathedral in Kastro was built in the 13^th Century and is a beautiful example of three aisle-domed basilica.

Modern day vagabonds do not have to conquer castles or towers, as they are welcomed to stay in charming little hotels.

It was night when we left Naxos and although time has passed the sweet memories linger and the yearning to keep our promise that we will come back.