Byzantine Museum, Naxos
The Byzantine Museum is housed within a commanding four-level tower in Kastro. The museum offers visitors a unique journey through time, where the past is intricately woven with the present.
The tower itself is a remarkable piece of history, exuding an air of majesty that is enhanced by its panoramic view of the harbor and its strategic location near the northwestern gate of Kastro. As visitors approach the tower's main entrance, they are greeted by the Barozzi family coat of arms, an emblem that speaks of the tower's illustrious lineage. The interior door, adorned with the Crispi family coat of arms, further evokes a sense of the tower's storied past.
However, it was the P. Glezos family, the tower's final owners, who forever linked their legacy with this architectural gem. Their benevolent act of donating the tower to the state ensured its preservation and transformation into a cultural treasure. Today, the tower is affectionately referred to as the Glezos tower, or Apirathitissa, a name derived from Apiranthos, the hometown of the donor family.
After meticulous restoration efforts, the tower now stands as the proud home of the Byzantine Museum, encompassing the entire Cycladic region. Within its walls, visitors are treated to a captivating collection of Byzantine sculptures originating from Naxos and the surrounding Cycladic islands. These sculptures, meticulously dated between the 7th and 12th centuries, bridge the gap between eras and offer a glimpse into the artistic expressions of the past.
The tower itself is a remarkable piece of history, exuding an air of majesty that is enhanced by its panoramic view of the harbor and its strategic location near the northwestern gate of Kastro. As visitors approach the tower's main entrance, they are greeted by the Barozzi family coat of arms, an emblem that speaks of the tower's illustrious lineage. The interior door, adorned with the Crispi family coat of arms, further evokes a sense of the tower's storied past.
However, it was the P. Glezos family, the tower's final owners, who forever linked their legacy with this architectural gem. Their benevolent act of donating the tower to the state ensured its preservation and transformation into a cultural treasure. Today, the tower is affectionately referred to as the Glezos tower, or Apirathitissa, a name derived from Apiranthos, the hometown of the donor family.
After meticulous restoration efforts, the tower now stands as the proud home of the Byzantine Museum, encompassing the entire Cycladic region. Within its walls, visitors are treated to a captivating collection of Byzantine sculptures originating from Naxos and the surrounding Cycladic islands. These sculptures, meticulously dated between the 7th and 12th centuries, bridge the gap between eras and offer a glimpse into the artistic expressions of the past.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Naxos. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Byzantine Museum on Map
Sight Name: Byzantine Museum
Sight Location: Naxos, Greece (See walking tours in Naxos)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Naxos, Greece (See walking tours in Naxos)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Naxos, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Naxos
Creating your own self-guided walk in Naxos is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Naxos Orientation Walking Tour
Steeped in mythological mystique and ancient history, the captivating city of Naxos on the eponymous Greek island in the Aegean Sea is renowned for its cultural landmarks and stunning attractions.
The name "Naxos" is believed to be of ancient Greek origin, possibly stemming from the word "naxai," which means "vines" or "vineyards." This is quite fitting,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
The name "Naxos" is believed to be of ancient Greek origin, possibly stemming from the word "naxai," which means "vines" or "vineyards." This is quite fitting,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles