EXPLORE NAXOS ISLAND!
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.
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.
