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Paros. Author Olaf Tausch.

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Paros

Paros is a Greek island in the central Aegean Sea. It is one of the Cyclades island groups. Paros lies to the west of Naxos. In ancient Greece, the city-state of Paros was located on the island.

 The Municipality of Paros includes numerous uninhabited offshore islets totalling 196.308 square kilometres (75.795 sq mi) of land. Its nearest neighbour is the municipality of Antiparos, which lies to its southwest.

Paros is of a round, plump-pear shape. The island is formed by a single mountain. The mountain slopes evenly down on all sides to a maritime plain. Paros is composed of marble. However, gneiss and mica-schist can be found in a few places.

Paros has numerous beaches including Golden Beach (Chrissí Aktí) near Drios on the east coast, at Pounda, Logaras, Piso Livadi, Naousa Bay, Parikia and Agia Irini

Paros became part of the Duchy of the Aegean. It was ruled by Marco Sanudo between 1207 and 1389. In the 15th century, the Fort of Naoussa was built to protect the island from pirates.

Paros was also ruled by the Turkish and Veticans. Turkish rule Succeeded the Veticans until the Greek Revolution of 1821. The island of Paros became part of the Modern Greek state after Independence. Like all the other Cyclades.

Let’s learn more about the Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Paros

1. It Remained under the Ottoman Empire until the Greek War of Independence

In 1537, Ottoman Turks conquered Paros 1537. It remained under the Ottoman Empire until the Greek War of Independence, which was between 1821 to 1829.

Additionally, during the Russo-Turkish war, Naoussa Bay was the home base for the Russian Archipelago Squadron of Count Alexey Orlov. Paros became part of the newly independent kingdom of Greece. This was under the Treaty of Constantinople.

This was the first time the Â鶹APPians had been ruled by fellow Greeks over six centuries. During this time, Paros was home to a heroine of the Nationalist movement.

Heroine Manto Mavrogenous financed and fought in the war for independence. Her house is today a historical monument.

2. The Island has been Inhabited Since 3200 BC

The Paros seafront in Greece.Author Dimorsitanos.

According to various excavations that took place on the islet of Saliagos. Paros has been Inhabited since 3200 BC.

The Cretan Alkaios was the first king of Paros. The king built a city on the site of the present capital of Parikia. During this period, Crete was trading with Egypt, Assyria and the Balkans.

Paros was transformed into a naval station by the Cretans. They gave the island the name Minoa. This honorific title was given to Royal Cretan cities.

3. The Second Largest Island of the Cyclades

Paros is the second largest island of the Cyclades. The island has an area of 196 km². Moreover, a coastline of 120 km long.

Paros is in the middle of the Cyclades near Naxos, Ios, Sifnos and Syros. Interestingly, most of the ferries to Naxos and Santorini make a stop first at Paros.

4. Parian Marble was the Chief Source of Wealth for the Island

Parian Marble of Paros is White and translucent. It has a coarse grain and a beautiful texture. The marble was the main source of wealth for the Island.

There are several quarries for marble in Paros. The marble quarries lie on the northern side of the mountain anciently known as Marathi.

The marble was obtained using subterranean quarries driven horizontally or at a descending angle into the rock. It was exported from the 6th century BC onwards. The marble was used by Praxiteles and other ancient Greek sculptors.

Several attempts to obtain the marble have been made in modern times. However, it has not been exported in any great quantities.

5. Paros has Numerous Beaches

A scene of the sea and a rocky beach, Paros.Author Hypick.

Paros has various beautiful beaches. Some of the beaches you can explore on the island include Golden Beach (Chrissí Aktí) near Drios on the east coast, at Pounda, Logaras, Piso Livadi, Naousa Bay, Parikia and Agia Irini.

Some of the beaches have plenty of great taverns for food. The beaches are classified as one of the best places to swim.

Amazingly, Paros beaches have won the Blue flag of the European Union. This means they are super clean.

6. Paros is home to many Museums that Provide Insight into its Life

Joinery and beekeeping tools. Folklore museum of Lefkes, Paros, Cyclades. Author Zde.

The museum of Paros provides information about the life and culture of this island. Paros is linked to many historical periods beginning from the palaeolithic times to modern times. The archaeological museum of Paros is one of the museums that give insight into the historical periods of the museum.

The museum lies close to Panagia Ekantontapiliani. In the museum, you find a vast collection of sculptures, vessels, statues and other items.

Furthermore, Paros has a small museum that displays rare icons, jewellery and relics. Museum in Marpissa village displays various Sculptures of the Paros artists. The folklore museums of Paros are scattered in the villages of Aliki and Lefkes.

7. The Third Island of the Cyclades has become Famous for its Exciting Nightlife

Paros is established as the third island of the Cyclades that has become famous for its nightlife. The bars of Parikia are where visitors can start their evening walk with a light cocktail.

The capital of Paros is rich with bats and legendary clubs. The entertainment rooms play loud music and offer strong drinks.

Interestingly, Naoussa is known as the centre of nightlife in Paros. Visitors can find a selection of clubs for all tastes.

 However, the nightlife in the rest places of Paros is less noisy. Moreover, restricted to seaside taverns and a few lounge bars.

8. Paros Offers a Great Selection of Culture Events and Religious Festivals

Paros Island is rich in a great selection of events every summer. The cultural and religious festivals feature food, wine and music. Moreover, a recommendable number of people from all over the island take part in the celebrations.

Amazingly, the Pirates Festival is a great celebration. Paros Island. The festival represents the raids of the pirates in Paros. The raids were usual. The Medieval times.

During the festival, young boys dress in traditional pirate costumes. They jump from the fishing boats and run in the crowd to snatch girls.

9. The Island is Popular Worldwide for its Cycladic Architecture

Paros is characterized by traditional whitewashed houses. Moreover, the buildings have blue windows and flowered yards.

Amazingly, the Work of the local craftsmen is featured in Many houses in Paros. The houses have strong walls to protect themselves against the Pirates’ invasions.

 In many villages, the architecture of Paros is quite exceptional and original. Many architectural marvels were built using Parian marble.

10 . Every Corner of Paros is Adorned with Cute Chapels and Lovely Churches

Paros Church. Author freeman.

Paros has Religious sites from 16th and the 17th century. Moreover, remains of ancient temples and sanctuaries.

The religious centres include Panagia Ekantontapiliani Agios Konstantinos, Panagia Septemvriani, Panagia of Stavros, Agios Nikolaos and more.