NOMOS KYKLADON

NAXOS

Population (according to 2021 census): 8.897

History

A Historical Overview of Naxos

Historical Pages of Naxos: Antiquity, the Venetian Era and the Road to Unification

Όρος Ζας: Ταξίδι στην Αρχαιότητα και στον μύθο

-Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades and, without a doubt, is an island full of history, rich tradition, and a great variety of natural beauty and products. -The history of Naxos is extremely rich and stretches from prehistoric times to the present day, making it a timeless center of the Aegean. -The habitation of Naxos goes very far back in time, as traces of human presence have been found in the area of Stelida from the Middle Paleolithic era (approx. 130,000 BC), while permanent settlement began in the Neolithic era (5th millennium BC). -Naxos was one of the most important centers of the Proto-Cycladic Civilization (3200-2000 BC). Its geographical location, self-sufficiency in resources (especially marble, emery), and the development of seafaring contributed to its prosperity. Significant settlements from this period have been discovered in the area of Grotta (in present-day Chora), at Kastraki, and at Panormos. -After the decline of the Minoan civilization, Naxos received strong influences from the Mycenaean civilization (1400-1100 BC). The area of Grotta remained a center. -During the Geometric period (900-800 BC), the city-state of Naxos developed, with its center moving to the hill of the present-day Kastro (Castle). -The 7th and 6th centuries BC are considered the period of Naxos's peak. The island was known for its export of marble and the development of sculpture. The large, unfinished marble statues known as Kouroi (in Apollo, in Melanes/Flerio) are proof of the artistic and economic strength of the era. -Concurrently, large sanctuaries were built, such as the Temple of Apollo (of which the Portara, the Great Doorway, survives) at Palatia, and the Temple of Demeter on Gyroulas in Sangri (around 530 BC). -After the Roman times, Naxos was incorporated into the Byzantine Empire. Pirate raids led the inhabitants to move inland, where fortified settlements were founded and the first castles were built. The period is characterized by the spread of Christianity and the creation of many Byzantine churches (such as Panagia Drosiani). -In 1207, after the Fourth Crusade, the Venetian crusader Marco Sanudo captured Naxos and founded the Duchy of the Aegean (or Duchy of Naxos), with its capital in Chora. Naxos became the seat of the Catholic rule over the Cyclades. -Sanudo fortified Chora by building the Venetian Castle, constructing the Acropolis on the ruins of the ancient one. Scattered Frankish towers were also built in the hinterland (e.g., the Tower of Chimarros, the Tower of Bazaios), serving as strongholds and rural residences for the nobles. -In general, the Venetian rule left a strong cultural imprint, especially on architecture (the Castle, the Catholic Cathedral) and society (the Catholic community). -In 1537, the Ottoman admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa captured the island. However, Naxos, like the rest of the Cyclades, enjoyed a status of semi-autonomy compared to mainland Greece, as the Turks never settled in large numbers. The island was ruled by a Venetian or Latin lord under the suzerainty of the Sultan, with the main concern being the collection of taxes. This continuing Latin influence allowed for the survival of the Catholic element and the preservation of the local character. -The people of Naxos participated actively in the Revolution of 1821. The island served as a safe refuge for refugees and provided support for the struggle. Naxos was incorporated into the newly established Greek state in 1830 (with the London Protocol), along with the other islands of the Cyclades.

Traditions

Customs and Folklore of Naxos

The Living Soul of Naxos: Customs, Music, and the Charm of the Naxos Hinterland

-Naxos has an exceptionally rich and vibrant tradition, which remains intact, especially in its surrounding villages. The customs of Naxos have deep roots, often connected to ancient Dionysian worships and the agricultural cycle. -On Clean Monday, mainly in the villages of Livadi, the custom of "Kordelata" (or "Fustanelata") takes place, where groups of young men dress in traditional kilts (fustanelles), colored ribbons, and coins, dancing in the squares. Earlier, on Cheese Monday, the custom of "Moskarada" culminates, where the tradition of masquerading is revived. -The Easter period in Naxos is rich in unique and moving customs that are kept alive in the villages of the hinterland. Starting on Lazarus Saturday, "Lazarakia" are prepared at the Monastery: breads shaped like a person with raisins and nuts, which are blessed and distributed to the faithful on the solemn day of Good Friday. On the same day, as the Epitaphios (funeral bier of Christ) is carried through the villages, the impressive custom of "Perifana" is revived in Engares and Melanes: young people light large bonfires from stacks of wood or reeds along the route, symbolically illuminating the Divine Drama. Finally, the festive atmosphere culminates on Easter Monday in Komiaki, where "Kounies" (improvised swings) are set up; this is a romantic custom where young men swing the unmarried girls, reciting improvised rhyming couplets. -Beyond the Easter festivities, the Naxian tradition also keeps other significant annual customs alive. In early summer, on the evening of June 23rd, the "Kledonas" of Agios Ioannis (St. John) is revived: residents burn their May wreaths and young people jump over the fires for purification and good luck, with the evening usually ending in a big celebration. When autumn comes, the island's agricultural life is celebrated with "Rakitzia" (or Hatzanemata), the custom of distilling raki (tsikoudia). This process, which begins after the grape harvest, turns into a genuine folk celebration, where producers and visitors gather around the stills, taste the new spirit, and enjoy themselves with abundant food and traditional music. -The Naxian tradition is interwoven with ceaseless dance and vibrant music, as the tune and rhythm are deeply rooted in the island's identity. The sounds of the violin, laouto (lute), tsampouna (bagpipe), and doumbeki (drum) take center stage at every celebration, especially in the villages of Apiranthos and Kinidaros, which are considered musical hubs. The main dances are the Syrtos and the Balos, while local variations like "Kotsakia" and "Vlacha of Kinidaros" carry a strong romantic element and are traditionally danced facing each other. -The mountainous and semi-mountainous villages of Naxos are living museums of the island's folklore and architecture. Apiranthos, known as the "marble village," stands out with its cobblestone alleys, Venetian towers, and the unique dialect of its inhabitants. Filoti, the largest village, is built amphitheatrically on the foothills of Mount Zas and maintains a strong agricultural character, while Halki, in the fertile Tragea valley, impresses with its well-preserved neoclassical mansions, testifying to its old commercial prosperity. Finally, the picturesque mountainous village of Koronos completes the picture of the authentic Naxos hinterland.

Local products

Fertile Naxos: PDO Products, Traditional Cheeses and the Citron Liqueur

Products and Gastronomy of Naxos

-The agricultural wealth and production of traditional products are one of the most important pillars of Naxos. The island is the most fertile in the Cyclades, resulting in the production of high-quality products, many of which have received the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label. -Naxos has a long tradition in animal husbandry, making it a production center for quality cheeses, with its flagship being Graviera. Naxos Graviera (PDO) is the most famous product of the island. It is made primarily from cow's milk (at least 80%) supplemented with goat's and sheep's milk, giving it a particularly mild, buttery flavor with a slightly sweet note, which intensifies with aging (at least 3 months). -Besides Graviera, other recognized cheeses are Arseniko, a hard, salty hard cheese made from goat's and sheep's milk with a strong flavor, whose name hints at its "masculine" and intense character; and Xinotyri, a hard, sour cheese resulting from the drying of Xinomyzithra (a fresh, soft cheese from goat's milk). -The Naxos Potato (PDO) is one of the most recognizable agricultural products of Greece. Its uniqueness lies in its cultivation in the fertile soils of Naxos; thanks to the island's microclimate and the special composition of the soil, it acquires a distinct, slightly sweet flavor and an excellent texture. -It is known for its exceptional baking qualities, as it holds its shape and develops a crispy crust on the outside and a velvety texture on the inside, making it ideal for frying, baking, and also for traditional Naxian cooked dishes. -Naxos Citron (PDO) is the local, traditional liqueur/distillate, with a history of centuries on the island. It is produced by distilling pure alcohol with the leaves of the citron tree (Citrus medica). -The traditional distillate of Naxos, Citron, is distinguished into three characteristic color and flavor variations, determined by different alcohol content and sugar levels. -The strongest and "driest" version is Green Citron (36% Vol), aimed at lovers of more intense and dry distillates. This is followed by White Citron (33% Vol), which is the intermediate option, balancing alcohol and sweetness. Finally, Yellow Citron (30% Vol) is the sweetest and mildest version, as it contains the highest amount of sugar and the lowest alcohol content. -Beyond the above, Naxian gastronomy includes exquisite thyme honey, excellent olive oil from the ancient olive trees of Tragaea, as well as local wines and tsipouro.

Tourism

Landmarks and Points of Interest in Naxos

The Top Landmarks of Naxos: Castle, Beaches and Monuments of Ancient Art

-Chora (Naxos Town) is the starting point and cultural center of the island. At the entrance of the port, on the islet of Palatia, stands the emblematic Portara, the marble gateway of the unfinished Temple of Apollo, which offers the most famous sunset in the Cyclades. The old town unfolds around the imposing Venetian Castle from the 13th century. Within the narrow, medieval alleyways of the Castle (which are still inhabited today) are the Archaeological Museum, the Catholic Cathedral, and the former Ursuline School, elements that bear witness to the long-lasting Venetian influence on the island. -The western coasts of Naxos are home to a series of sandy beaches of world-class standard, known for their crystal-clear, shallow waters. The most popular are the organized Agios Prokopios and the cosmopolitan Agia Anna, with a plethora of facilities and shops. Further south stretches the endless Plaka, which retains large expanses of untouched sandy shore, while Mikri Vigla has been established as an international center for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the ideal winds. More secluded options include Alyko, with its protected cedar forest and turquoise waters, and the tranquil Kastraki. -The hinterland of Naxos is rich in archaeological treasures and natural beauty. In Sagri, the Archaic Temple of Demeter (6th century BC) stands imposingly, one of the most important monuments on the island. In the ancient quarries, two colossal, unfinished Kouroi (statues of young men) lie recumbent: one, 10.45 meters tall, in Apollonas and a smaller one near Melanes, offering a glimpse into the peak of Naxian marble craftsmanship. Finally, Mount Zas (1,003 m.), the highest point in the Cyclades, offers hiking trails that lead to the summit and to the Cave of Zeus, where, according to mythology, the father of the gods was raised.