Naxos Castle, Naxos (must see)

Naxos Castle, known locally as the Kastro, rises above the harbor in the oldest part of Naxos Town. The fortified district was established in the early 13th century by Venetian nobleman Marco Sanudo, who founded the Duchy of the Archipelago after the Fourth Crusade. Rather than building a single fortress, the Venetians created a small walled town on the hill, surrounded by defensive walls and gates. Many of the original medieval structures remain, making the Kastro one of the most historically significant parts of Naxos and one of the best places on the island to experience its layered Greek and Venetian heritage.

As you pass through the stone entrance and begin walking uphill, the character of the old castle district quickly becomes clear. The streets are narrow and winding, often just wide enough for two people to pass. Look at the doorways and walls along the lanes and you will notice carved coats of arms and architectural details that once marked the homes of Venetian noble families. The neighborhood still has a lived-in atmosphere, with small houses, quiet courtyards, and occasional views opening toward the harbor below.

One of the most important buildings inside the castle is the Archaeological Museum of Naxos, located in a former Jesuit school. Its galleries display artifacts discovered across the island, including Cycladic marble figurines dating back to the third millennium BCE, Mycenaean pottery, jewelry, and sculptures from ancient sanctuaries. These objects reveal Naxos has been an important center in the Aegean world long before the Venetian castle was built.

Continue toward the highest part of the district and you will reach the Naxos Cathedral, the island’s main Roman Catholic church. Built during the Venetian period and later renovated, the cathedral reflects the lasting influence of Western rule in the Cyclades. From nearby viewpoints along the castle’s edges, you can also look out over the rooftops of the old town, the harbor, and the surrounding sea. These elevated views help explain why the Venetians chose this hilltop location: it provided both protection and a commanding perspective over the port that shaped Naxos’s history.