General informations about Paros
EKATONTAPILIANI : The church of "Ekatontapiliani" or "Katapoliani", located in Parikia ,the capital of Paros island, is one of the most important Byzantine monuments of Greece, associated with numerous legends and myths. It is dedicated to the Virgin Maria and on the 15th of August [15/08 every year]
of each year a famous celebration takes place, incorporating a spectacular fireworks display.
MONASTERIES : The Paros island is full of small churches and monasteries. Longobarda Monastery built in 1638, also known as Zoodochos Pigi, located outside Parikia,the capital of Paros Island , is one of the most important. The road to the monastery is lined with ancient, Roman and Christian remains, such as the Early Christian basilica (6th century) of the Three Churches, the church of Ayia Theoktistis, the Taxiarchon Monastery (16th century), the church of St. Philip and the castle of Arapis.
MUSEUMS : The Byzantine museum of "Ekatontapiliani", in Parikia, can be found next to the church. The museum houses some marvelous icons, church relics, woodcarvings and other ecclesiastical objects from the Byzantine period.The Archaeological Museum in Parikia, contains numerous artifacts, from Paros and Antiparos, dating back more than 6,000 years.
The Byzantine museum in Naoussa has on display: late Byzantine icons, works by Parian and Cretan icon painters of the 12th & 13th century, wood carvings, church vessels and engravings, Frankish and Roman sculptures. The museum is located in the church of St. Nicholas.
The Museum of Aegean Folk Art in Lefkes Village.
The Ancient Marble Quarries: The ancient quarries, where Parian marble was extracted, can be reached from the main road between Parikia and Lefkes. There are pieces of pure white marble scattered everywhere, leftovers from ancient times, while tunnels, caves and inscriptions made by the ancient miners may also be seen.
BUTTERFLY VALLEY: is situated 20 km from New Golden Beach. Vast numbers of butterflies take to the air, at certain times of the year, whenever one touches a plant or a bush.
