Landmark· Naxos· Greece — Cyclades
Naxos Kastro (Venetian Castle)
37° 6.3′ N · 25° 22.6′ E
The pentagonal walled upper town that Marco Sanudo founded in 1207 as the seat of his Duchy of the Archipelago, partly built with marble taken from the Portara temple. Marble-paved lanes lead past Venetian mansions with family crests to the Catholic cathedral and the old Jesuit school.
Practical
Ten minutes' walk uphill from the marina. Enter by the Trani Porta ('Great Gate'), on the north-west side, next to the round Glezos (Crispi) Tower, the only one left of the original twelve towers. Greeka notes a free lift up to the Avaton 1739 cafe at the top. Inside are the Della Rocca-Barozzi Venetian Museum and the Archaeological Museum, which is in a 17th-century Jesuit school building. In 2026 Greeka reports the Archaeological Museum closed for a major renovation, with part of the collection shown at the Saint Ursula cultural centre nearby. Check current opening hours locally.
Best for
Evening wander and history in the old town
Nearby
- Lucullus Taverna (Naxos Town)0.1 NM away
- Metaxi Mas Tavern (Naxos Town)0.1 NM away
- Meze Meze Fish Restaurant (Naxos Town waterfront)0.1 NM away
- Naxos Chora Supermarkets & Markets0.1 NM away
- Naxos Town Harbour & Marina0.1 NM away
- Tyrokomia Naxou Cheese Shop (Naxos Town)0.1 NM away
- Agios Nikodimos Feast (Naxos Town)0.2 NM away
- Artopoio Bakery (Naxos Town)0.2 NM away