Naxos Archaeological Museum

Location: Naxos Town
Don’t Miss: Museums guide with free admission days and additional useful information

The Archaeological Museum of Naxos is located in the main square at the top of Kastro Castle. Housed in an elegant 17th-century Venetian building, it stands as a remarkable example of the architectural style of that era. The structure spans five floors and was originally constructed as a Jesuit school. Later, it served as the School of Commerce in the late 19th century before being converted into the Archaeological Museum in 1973. Today, the building itself is a recognized historical monument.

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Naxos Cave of Zas

Location: Filoti

The Cave of Zas sits on the western slopes of Mount Zas, at roughly 600 meters above sea level.
In Greek mythology, this cave was believed to be the hiding place where the young Zeus found refuge while fleeing from his father, the Titan Cronus.
It is also said that here he received the powerful lightning bolt that established him as the king of Olympus. In his honor, both the mountain and the cave were named after him.

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Naxos Melanes Kouros Statue

Location: Melanes

The impressive Kouros statue can be found just outside the village of Melanes, nestled in the Naxian countryside.

The statue remains in its original location where archaeologists discovered it. Measuring approximately 6 meters in length, it dates back to the 7th century BC.

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Naxos Kastro (Castle)

Location: Naxos Town (Chora)

Naxos Castle, also known as Kastro, is the historic Venetian quarter of Chora and was originally built to protect the Sanudo fortress. Its construction was overseen by Marco Sanudo, the Venetian conqueror who established control over the Aegean in 1207. Stones and marble from a preexisting ancient acropolis, including blocks from the Portara, were reused in the fortress’s construction.

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Naxos Portara (Temple of Apollo)

Location: Naxos Town

The Portara—also known as the “Great Door”—is a monumental marble gateway and one of Naxos’ most iconic landmarks. It stands on the small islet of Palatia, just next to the port. In ancient times, the islet was connected to the northern edge of the harbor by a natural strip of land, now replaced by a modern causeway. According to legend, this is where Ariadne, daughter of the Minoan king, was deserted by Theseus after he defeated the Minotaur in Crete.

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