Panagia Ekatontapyliani
The church is located in Parikia, just 100 meters away from the port, and is the most imposing church in the Cyclades and one of the most important in Greece, about 1,600 years old. On August 15 is its celebration (and holiday) and many events take place. Its history begins from the 4th AD. century. During the search for the Holy Cross, Saint Helen stopped in Paros and prayed in a small sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary, promising that if she found the Holy Cross, then she would build a large church in the name of the Virgin Mary. This promise was kept by her son, emperor Constantine the Great. The church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani also houses the Ecclesiastical Museum, which features rare ecclesiastical works of art, wood carvings, and relics from the Byzantine era.
Archaeological Museum
The museum is located just behind the church of Ekatontapyliani. Parian pieces of the 3rd century BC. are the most important exhibits - along with many other interesting finds. The Archaeological Museum in Parikia displays a variety of objects from the Neolithic Age, the Archaic Period, the Classical Period, and the Roman era, such as ceramics, marble figurines, tombstones, inscriptions, and marbles.
Frankish Castle
The Frankish Castle of Parikia was built in the 13th century, by the Duke of Naxos Marco Sanudo during the Venetian occupation of the island. It had incorporated parts of archaic and classical temples, of which only a part of the archaic temple of Athena still exists. Inside the castle, there are small churches that are built on the castle walls.
Sanctuary of Asclepius
On the hill of Agia Anna, which is located a short distance from Parikia, is the sanctuary of the god of medicine, Asklipios. The sanctuary was built in the 4th century BC, around a spring. Ruins of the temple of Pythian Apollo also exist in the area.
The sanctuary of Delion
About 1 km from Parikia, on a hill, is the sanctuary of Delion. The temple was the place of worship of the god Apollo of Delhi. The original structure was built in the 9th - 8th century BC. Later, in the 5th BC. century, a new temple dedicated to Artemis was also built.
The valley of butterflies
The Valley of the Butterflies in Psychopiana, about 6 km from Parikia, is the best natural location in Paros. It is an area with rich vegetation and running water. Visitors are impressed by this fairytale place, where thousands of butterflies flutter, creating a stunning image. You should visit the butterflies during the summer.
The Venetian Castle in Naoussa
The Venetian Castle is located at the northern end of the port of Naoussa. It was built in the 15th century by the Venetian Sommaripa dynasty. Today, it is semi-submerged below sea level. The port of Naoussa was once a safe haven for pirates roaming the island.
Acropolis in Kolimbithres
The Acropolis, located in Koukounaries, above Kolimbithres and was built in the 13th century BC. Then the Acropolis was destroyed by an earthquake and a geometric settlement was built in the same place in the 10th century BC. century and became an important city until the Archaic Period. Guests arriving at the site are rewarded with a stunning view.
Ancient Quarries
Next to the picturesque settlement of Marathi, are the ancient marble quarries of Paros. The famous Parian marble or "lychnitis" was mined from this area. The trade of this transparent marble, which also supported the economy of Paros, dates back to all historical periods. The marble of Paros was sought after by many great sculptors of different eras, who created great monuments of antiquity and statues, such as Aphrodite of Milos, Hermes of Praxiteles, the Daughters of the Acropolis, the Nike of Delos, the Nike of Samothraki and many others which we find in well-known museums abroad. Also, many exhibits of the Archaeological Museum of Paros are made of Parian marble.
Paros Environmental Park
The Environmental and Cultural Park of Paros is a theme park that extends over a peninsula of 800 acres, of great geological and historical importance. A pioneer of its kind in the Cyclades, Paros Park is based on volunteering, and welcomes visitors all year round for a variety of environmental and cultural activities or just for a walk in this natural place.
Alcyoni
Alcyoni was founded in 1995 in Paros as a non-profit Association for the Care & Protection of Wild Animals, with the aim: The Care and Reintegration in the nature of all Wild Animals, which are injured, weakened or sick and end up in its hospital. Fauna Protection through Environmental Education, Awareness and Citizen Cooperation and Habitat Protection through the collection of data and studies and through information processes.
