Sanctuary of Yria, Archaeological site in Livadi valley, Naxos, Greece.
The sanctuary of Yria is an open-air archaeological site in the Livadi valley on the island of Naxos, where four successive temples were built one on top of the other over many centuries. Marble fragments, column drums and foundation walls from different building phases are visible across the site today.
The sanctuary was first established around 1300 BCE and remained in use through the Roman period, with the temple rebuilt several times on the same spot. In the 5th century CE, an early Christian basilica replaced the last temple, marking the end of the site's ancient use.
The sanctuary sits in the Livadi valley on Naxos and was dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and festivity. Visitors walking through the site today can see how each new temple was built directly over the remains of the previous one, keeping the same sacred ground in use across generations.
The site is in the Livadi valley, not far from the village of Vivlos, and is easy to reach by car or bicycle from Naxos Town. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as there is little shade and the ground can be uneven underfoot.
Among the foundation layers lies one of the earliest known Ionic column bases in Greece, offering a glimpse into how builders first developed the classical column order. Most visitors walk past it without realizing its role in the story of Greek architecture.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
