Kastro, Castle in Naxos, Greece
Kastro is a castle in Naxos, Greece. It sits on a hill near the port and consists of a perimeter wall formed by the outer walls of the houses, with two gates and a central square.
The castle was built in 1207 by Marco Sanudo, a Venetian who became duke of Naxos. It served as the administrative and religious center of the duchy and later passed under Ottoman rule, but the Catholic community remained.
Inside the walls, you can see daily life in a small neighborhood where many residents are Catholic and descendants of Venetian families. The central square, with its cathedral and old school, is a gathering place that keeps a distinct character.
Wear comfortable shoes because the streets are steep and paved with uneven stones. The area is small and best explored on foot, so allow time to wander without a fixed route.
The castle walls are actually the outer walls of the houses, so the fortification is lived in rather than standing empty. Also, the central tower, once the symbol of Venetian power, was destroyed in the 19th century, and only its base remains.
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